By Abdi Hussein
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Rift Valley region members have vowed to campaign against the Building Bridges Initiative, citing the government’s failure to solve the stalemate between the union and the Teachers Service Commission.
Speaking on Saturday at Kajiado town after all the branch officials were re-elected unopposed, KNUT leaders accused TSC of trying to silence teachers.
Rift Valley Executive Secretary Elie Korinko said the government was sitting on the periphery while TSC “is violating teachers’ rights”.
Korinko said the union will mobilise teachers to vote against BBI in the referendum.
“We will not endorse a document that is not addressing the plight of teachers,” said Korinko.
Teachers have accused TSC of orchestrating a mass exodus from KNUT.
“TSC has mounted a scheme to stop KNUT from negotiating teachers’ salaries and allowances, work rules, handling of teachers complaints, promotions and participating in policy formulation,” he added.
They dismissed recent circular by TSC prohibiting teachers from elective politics.
KNUT National Executive Rift Valley representative Alfred Rop challenged teachers to soldier on in fighting for their rights.
“Our members continue to be oppressed and denied promotions. TSC’s scheme is to kill trade unionism but we will not be cowed,” said Rop.
