How Sossion, TSC wars could cost Knut dearly

Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Secretary General Wilson Sossion’s decision to disrupt training of teachers under the new curriculum has returned to haunt him.

After months of bad blood between Mr Sossion and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), things boiled over on Monday when the commission issued a 60-day notice to cut links with Knut.

Sources in the government yesterday told The Standard that the order by Sossion to his executive secretaries to disrupt nationwide training of teachers, for the Competency-Based Curriculum, triggered the personalised attacks that spiralled into internal rebellion.

What followed were a series of systematic events that have now led to impending revocation of the recognition agreement, a move seen as the final nail in Knut’s coffin.

As the battle kicked off, a series of well-choreographed forums to express confidence in the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) were rolled out to isolate Knut.

First, it was the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) who defended the independence of TSC in an apparent criticism of its rival Knut.

Court battles

Kenya Primary School Heads Association (Kepsha) and the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (Kessha) also joined the fray.

And with Knut winning court battles, some which were lodged by TSC, the employer invoked some of the rulings to escalate the fight.

Part of this was generating double payrolls – one for Knut and the other for non-Knut members.

As these unfolded, TSC suspended deduction and remittance of union dues, effectively denying Knut the financial muscle to mount solid defence.

Outrage yesterday greeted the call by TSC to sever links with Knut, with some trade unionists calling for a ceasefire between the two bodies.

Central Organisation of Trade Union (Cotu) rejected TSC’s decision, terming it unconstitutional and against labour laws.

“At the labour board, we will reject it. Who authenticated what TSC has said? They have no powers to do as they want and they must operate within the law. In Kenya today, even five people can sign a CBA,” said Mr Atwoli.

Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) and the Kenya University Staff Union secretaries general said they would issue a comprehensive statement today.

“We will speak about that tomorrow (today),” said Constantine Wasonga, Uasu secretary general.

Knut leadership yesterday held a crisis meeting over the matter. The union’s National Steering Committee resolved to challenge in court the onslaught by TSC on its members’ register.

In a tough letter to TSC Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia, the union called for an urgent meeting within seven days to iron out all pending issues.

Sossion accused TSC of planning and executing a systematic attack on Knut by plucking its members to benefit the rival union.

In the letter dated November 5, Knut argues that the simple majority claims for recognition agreement only applies at registration.

Recognition agreement

“In the face of it, Knut remains recognised and the recognition agreement remains in force. You are obligated to engage the union in all matters as provided for in the agreement and your letter is mere escapist strategy to avoid engaging the union,” Sossion said.

In a blow-by-blow account of events, Sossion said TSC had removed 16,000 post-primary teachers who were members of Knut from the union’s register.

Sossion also accused TSC of running a validation portal that saw Knut lose many members through intimidation.

“As at June 2019, our membership stood at 187,000 before you unilaterally and illegally introduced validation circular which targeted members exit from Knut,” said Sossion.