Teachers who participated in last December’s retooling exercise have strongly castigated both KUPPET and KNUT for what they now term’ excessive dining’ with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), to the extent of being denied their reimbursement.
They said the Commission has already devised the April programme, meaning their focus is on training at the expense of their allowances.
The agitated teachers who spoke to Education News said they are ready to take action over the Commission’s mistreatment.
“Why don’t they give us feedback on last year’s exercise yet are quick to plan for the next retooling? TSC only understands and responds to mass and legal actions,” answered Felix, a teacher from Kisumu County who participated in December last year’s retooling exercise.
A number of teachers blame the unions for doing little to assist them against their employer’s oppression. “Imagine there’s no time our union officials have talked about retooling reimbursement, yet we incurred a lot during the five days of training,” reacted one Jantex, a teacher from Kiambu County.
The fate of April’s retooling programme hangs in the balance. Teachers, including the targeted interns, have already developed a very low opinion of it. This is due to constant complaints over TSC’s organisation of the exercise.
READ ALSO:
Robotics take centre stage at Nyanza Science Fair as young innovators gear up for Nationals
“I once asked my Sub County Director why reimbursement takes so long, and his answer was astonishing. He said that the exercise was done within our zone, so there was no need to ask for reimbursement,” said one teacher who spoke anonymously.
Schools that hosted last December’s exercise have already started developing cold feet towards the April programme.
Most of those interviewed quickly pointed out that the reimbursement delay destabilizes their activities, forcing them to take out bank loans to fill the gaps.
“It creates conflicts between the headteachers and their boards, significantly when reimbursement delays like the one in December,” replied one principal from the Nyanza region.
As the Commission plans for the April programme, it is incumbent upon it to ensure that reimbursement is done in time so that it doesn’t affect the overall delivery and perception towards it and any other upcoming programs TSC.
By Kaptich Tarus
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
