- KNUT and KUPPET claim the affected teachers had valid reasons for missing duty and fault TSC’s disciplinary process.
- Union officials say the school head was not informed before the salaries were reduced.
- The unions have threatened countywide demonstrations if the teachers are not reimbursed.
Teachers’ unions in Narok County have protested the decision to slash the salaries of four teachers from Merikito Comprehensive School, describing the move as unfair and a violation of the teachers’ rights.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) claimed the teachers had valid reasons for being absent from duty and accused the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) of taking disciplinary action without following due process.
Speaking to the press, Emurua Dikirr Branch Executive Committee (BEC) member Vincent Rono questioned the circumstances under which the salaries were reduced, saying even the head of the institution had not been informed of the decision.
Rono called for investigations into the matter, arguing that teachers are entitled to fair administrative processes before punitive action is taken.
“We strongly question the decision to slash the salaries of these teachers. Even the Head of Institution was not aware of the move. Investigations must be carried out because the rights of teachers must be respected at all times,” said Rono.
He maintained that while accountability among teachers is important, disciplinary measures should only be taken after all the facts have been established.
The sentiments were echoed by Narok KUPPET Chairperson Cheruiyot Chepkwony, who said the affected teachers had sought permission before being absent from duty.
According to Chepkwony, one of the teachers had been admitted to Kaplong Mission Hospital for treatment, while another, a Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern, had obtained permission to attend a job interview at a nearby school.
“These teachers did not abscond duty. One was hospitalised while another had officially sought permission to attend an interview. We are unhappy with the action taken against them and we demand that they be compensated,” said Chepkwony.
He warned that the union would mobilise teachers across Narok County for demonstrations if the affected teachers were not reimbursed.
“If the salaries are not restored, we shall have no option but to organise demonstrations across the county. Teachers deserve fair treatment and respect for their rights,” he added.
The two unions further accused the Teachers Service Commission of what they termed continued violations of teachers’ rights, saying the trend was unacceptable and should be addressed through dialogue and adherence to established labour procedures.
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They called on the commission to review the decision and engage all relevant parties to ensure similar disputes are handled fairly in future.
By Kimutai Langat
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