KNUT crying foul over transfers of its top officials

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Kirinyaga branch, has had its eight officials transferred.

The union has condemned the transfer of the officials, saying they were maliciously targeted.

Through the branch's Executive Secretary Javan Wachira, the union is now accusing the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) of using divisive tactics to weaken it.

Those transferred since May last year are the Vice Chairman Isaac Gituru, who went to Meru, Vice Treasurer Denis Kariuki (Kitui), the Central sub-county representative Mary Mwai (Meru) and her Mwea West counterpart Grace Wambui, also sent to Meru.

Others are the assistant branch Executive Secretary Patrick Kanaiyu (Tharaka-Nithi), branch Woman Representative Loise Kihungi (Nyeri) and the representative for Mutithi Zone Lenny Chege (Meru).

Weak union

“With these eight key officials transferred outside the county, union activities will be weak, especially when it comes to mobilising teachers for a strike," said Mr Wachira.

Meanwhile, the union has sent a protest note to TSC for allegedly failing to promote its 200 members who have attained diploma and degree qualifications.

Yesterday, Wachira said although TSC had acknowledged receipt of copies of the said individuals' certificates, the teachers were yet to be promoted.

“The unexplained delay by the employer to promote these teachers who merit to move to the next grade is not only demoralising, but discouraging to those who enrolled for higher learning," said Wachira. He urged the Government to stop further transfers.