Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has asked the Teachers Service Commission to reinstate the JSS teachers whose contracts were terminated as a response for participating in recent protests demanding for better terms of employment. The governor spoke on the matter during the Annual General Meeting of KNUT Mumias Branch. He urged the Commission to be more compassionate and supportive towards the affected teachers.
Background of the Issue
On May 22, the TSC sent show-cause letters to teachers who participated in the strike, requiring them to explain why they had failed to report to work. By the end of a two-week window period, 9,606 out of the 10,348 teachers who received the letters had responded. However 742 teachers who failed either to report back or show where they were served with their termination letters, and subsequently replaced.
Governor Barasa’s Appeal
Governor Barasa described the move by TSC as “very punitive and unacceptable” and called on the commission to review its decision and grant the affected teachers permanent and pensionable terms of service.
“We are asking the TSC to rescind the termination of contracts and recall the 742 letters sent to JSS teachers. The measures taken are very punitive and unacceptable,” Governor Barasa said.
His appeal also reflects a wider concern with regard to the plight and job security of the tutors, especially on the critical role they play in the education system. It is a just decision by Governor Barasa, which entirely sides with what tutors and other stakeholders have been saying, that the teachers’ grievances should be addressed through bargaining and discussion rather than punishment.
The Role of KNUT
Since then, the teachers’ union, Kenya National Union of Teachers, has been at the forefront in advocating for the rights and welfare of the affected teachers. In the Annual General Meeting that took place in Mumias Branch, they reiterated their solidarity with the affected teachers and demanded justice and fair treatment on the matter.
Implications of the Terminations
The termination of the contracts has far-reaching implications for both the teachers and the education sector. The affected teachers face significant financial and professional uncertainties, while the schools may experience disruptions due to the sudden loss of experienced staff. Reinstatement may assuage a number of schools which may stabilize with the continuity of the students’ education.