The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Kisumu County has harshly criticized the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for what it terms “punitive and arbitrary” mass transfers of teachers.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, January 21, KUPPET Executive Secretary Zablon Awange decried the transfers, alleging that they disrupt learning and unfairly target educators, leading to anxiety, depression, and in some cases, even suicide.
JSS Challenges Highlighted
Awange noted that the Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) in Kisumu are already grappling with significant challenges, including a lack of adequate staffing and incomplete Grade 9 classrooms in some schools. He urged the TSC to address these issues urgently, particularly in understaffed areas such as Seme, Muhoroni, and Nyakach constituencies.
“It is common knowledge that some sub-counties are severely understaffed due to discriminatory practices by TSC,” said Awange.
Hardship Allowance Inequality
Awange also called out the inconsistency in hardship and enhanced house allowances. He questioned why Nyakach and Muhoroni teachers receive hardship allowances, while those in equally challenging areas like Nyando are excluded.
“There’s no reason for this discrimination, and it’s demoralizing for teachers working under similar conditions,” he added.
Punitive Transfers and Teacher Welfare
Awange expressed deep concern over what he termed as punitive transfers, where teachers are moved from enhanced salary areas to hardship zones, leading to significant salary reductions of up to Ksh. 30,000. He noted that such actions not only cause financial strain but also contribute to depression and burnout among teachers.
“Last year alone, three teachers in Kisumu County died by suicide due to depression caused by these unfair transfers,” he revealed.
Awange further highlighted the exodus of teachers from Kisumu Boys High School, where over 10 educators have abandoned the profession and left for opportunities abroad due to harassment and intimidation by the TSC.
Call for Immediate Action
The union is demanding a review of the over 500 teacher transfers in Kisumu County and a halt to what they describe as intimidation tactics by the TSC. Awange emphasized the need for recruitment of more teachers instead of resorting to mass transfers or swaps.
He also reminded TSC officials of President William Ruto’s directive to revoke the delocalization policy, which was introduced under TSC CEO Nancy Macharia.
“If this trend continues, we will see demotivated teachers and a subsequent decline in academic performance, particularly in KCSE results,” Awange warned.
KUPPET has urged TSC to re-evaluate its practices in Kisumu and across Nyanza, ensuring fair treatment of teachers and prioritizing their welfare to restore confidence in the education system.
