Unionist accuses TSC of unfair transfers

A Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) official has accused the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) of allegedly transferring headteachers who are due to retire.

Keiyo Knut Secretary Musa Busienei yesterday slammed the teachers’ employer for disregarding the welfare of teachers in the transfers under the employer’s delocalisation policy.

He claimed school heads who have barely a year to retire were moved out of the county. 

Ailing teachers

The unionist described the transfers made by TSC in December as ‘inhumane’, claiming some affected teachers were battling life-threatening ailments.

“We had agreed with TSC that teachers who are due to retire and those who are sick should not be transferred. It has also come to our attention that aging teachers who have six months to retire and sick headteachers were transferred,” Mr Busienei said.

He warned that headteachers who have only a few months to exit the service may not deliver optimally in their new stations.

“It is irrational for an employer to transfer teachers just to be seen as implementing a policy. Transfers should be done in a consultative process. Sick teachers need close attention and care from families,” he said.

But Elgeyo Marakwet TSC Director Dominic Mwaniki dismissed the claims, saying the transferred headteachers have welcomed their delocalisation.

Mr Mwaniki said the transfers affected teachers who have stayed in one station for more than eight years.  He said a majority of primary school heads were transferred to neighbouring Baringo, denying reports that the teachers were moved to areas far away from their families.

New experience

“Teachers who were delocalised have appreciated the exercise because it has offered them new experience. They took the transfers positively and we are supporting them to deliver effectively in their new stations,” the TSC official said.

Among teachers who were transferred include Rose Koech of Sing’ore Girls High School, who was moved to Goibei Girls Secondary School in Vihiga County. Mwaniki warned school boards of management against hiring teachers not registered by TSC.

“Do not try to employ any teacher without a TSC number under BoM terms. We shall hold headteachers responsible if we discover any case of employment of non-registered teachers,” he added.