TSC and unions need each other, endless wrangles are too costly

The Teachers Service Commission and the Kenya National Union of Teachers hold themselves out as cultured institutions but their latest cold war tells a different story. Caught in the fray are millions of parents and learners who now risk being collateral damage in what’s unfolding — a fierce battle of egos. If events of recent months are anything to go by, the two protagonists have gladly chosen not to agree on nearly everything.

The Knut-TSC row has raged over various never-ending sticky issues, including non-remittance of union dues, kicking out of Sossion from the TSC roll, salaries, promotions and grades not to mention the recent emergence of the Kenya Women Teachers Association. The new curriculum has also been an elephant in the room.