TSC threatens to replace North Eastern teachers for absconding duty

TSC Secretary General Gabriel Lengoiboni. (Photo:File/Standard)

Nairobi, Kenya: The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has threatened to replace teachers working in Mandera, Wajir, Garissa if they will not have reported to work by February 2.

The teachers have declined to return to their work stations following a spate of terror attacks that rocked the region late last year, leaving several people dead.

 “All teachers stationed in Garissa, Wajir and Mandera who have not reported to their work stations are required to do so not later than Monday, February 2, failure to which disciplinary measures will be initiated without any further reference to the teachers,” said TSC Secretary General Gabriel Lengoiboni in a statement.

Lengoiboni also ordered County Directors in the affected areas to file school-based returns on the teachers who will have reported by February 2.

Teachers who were recently employed have also been given an ultimatum to report to work.

“Newly employed teachers in the three counties who were required to report for duty with effect from January 5 will be replaced from February 3 unless they report by February 2,” said Lengoiboni.

The development came hours after leaders drawn from the North Eastern region asked TSC to declare vacant, the positions of teachers who had not yet reported to work over insecurity fears.

To address the issue of safety, TSC noted that the Government is committed to ensuring security of its employees and all Kenyans in general.

“Security has been beefed up in the affected areas. Additional long-term security programmes are being implemented to secure the entire country,” said the teachers’ employer.

Lengoiboni also assured teachers that their welfare will be addressed by reducing the duration they serve in the insecurity-prone regions.

“TSC is working on a policy framework to reduce the duration of service in the North Eastern region and similar areas on first appointment.  The policy decision and implementation programme will be communicated in due course.”