By Emmanuel Gwakoi
Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) National Chairman Omboko Milemba has appealed to the Teacher Service Commission (TSC) to promote teachers who have been acting for more than six months in accordance with the Labour Laws.
The unionist demanded that the education committee should confirm those in acting positions and allocate money for teachers’ promotions
He argued that several teachers have been acting as deputies, senior teachers and heads of departments for even six years yet they aren’t paid for such services.
“What is going on is wrong, illegal and unacceptable,” he said, further noting that teachers should not be treated as casuals.
He revealed that the union is calculating pending bills and forwarding the same to the government for payment.
Milemba, who is also Emuhaya MP, was addressing unionists at Gusii Stadium recently during a mini election to replace KUPPET Kisii branch Secretary Secondary Schools Caleb Achimba who got a job in the county government.
Wilfred Ontita won with 665 votes against his closest competitor Sostena Ntabo who got 268 votes.
He implored the Parliamentary Education and Labor Committee to allocate Ksh 8.9 billion more to TSC to top up Ksh 15 billion to provide teachers with a medical cover to ease their suffering.
“The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) requires Ksh. 23.9 billion to insure teachers. Teachers contributed Ksh 9 billion and the government topped up with Ksh 6 billion but there is a deficit of Ksh 8.9 billion, which the government needs to top up,” he noted
Milemba was accompanied by KUPPET National secretary secondary section Edward Obwocha who proposed that Junior Secondary School (JSS) learners should be domiciled in secondary schools.
Obwocha explained the secondary schools have adequate equipment, classrooms and laboratories to foster learning.
“I appeal to parents and guardians to take their children to day secondary schools within their localities so that they can monitor their education and growth.” Obwocha asserted.
On the other hand, Ontita lauded the teachers for electing him, pledging to serve them selflessly and implement his manifesto to foster their welfare.
“The competition was stiff and the campaign was tough yet you voted for me overwhelmingly and I pledge to serve you.” Ontita said.
KUPPET Kisii County Executive Secretary Joseph Abincha urged parents and guardians not to fall into the traps of conmen claiming they have national examinations to sell to them.
“Fraudsters want to swindle you your hard earned money,” he warned.
He reminded the candidates that they have been taught well hence they will perform well in the forthcoming national exams.
He wished the Grade six, standard eight and form four candidates the best of luck in their exams and urged them to be disciplined as they prepare to sit for the examinations.
