The Kenya Union of Pre-Primary Education Teachers has accused the West Pokot County Public Service Board of what it terms as a decade of unfair treatment against over 1,098 Early Childhood Development and Education teachers, by relegating them to inferior terms and conditions of service, with its petition set to be tried in court.
Court Summons for Public Service Board
A notice from the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Kitale has summoned the West Pokot County Public Service Board to appear before it. Grumbling ECDE teachers as complainants file their case against the Salaries and Remuneration Commission as the first respondent, West Pokot County Public Service Board as the second respondent, and the Attorney General as the third respondent in the case that is numbered E003 of 2024.
As shown from the court notice of service, the board is meant to file their response within 21 days failure to which judgment will be passed in their absence:
“Take notice that a petition has been filed. Unless you file your response within 21 days from the date of service and appear, the case will be heard and determined in your absence.”
Discrimination and Unfair Pay Claims
The petition results from an appeal made to the Public Service Commission on 28th August 2024 by Samuel Opiyo for and on behalf of the union. KUNOPPET contends that the said ECDE teachers have been subjected to discriminatory treatment, especially in regard to job designation and salary. There are qualified teachers, some with certificates, diplomas, and degrees, who were classified as senior support staff or clerical officers by the West Pokot County Public Service Board. This designation has meant lower salaries and lack of job groups, in effect undermining their qualifications and professional status.
Appointment Letters and Allowances Issues
The union also registered its concern about the inconsistencies in the appointment letters of teachers. There existed two different appointment letters; one came on July 19, 2022, and the other on June 28, 2024. While both stated permanent and pensionable terms, the most recent one omitted critical allowances, further robbing the teachers of their hard-earned pay.
Scheme of Service Approved, yet Ignored
KUNOPPET added that the West Pokot County Public Service Board had continuously disregarded a valid scheme of service for ECDE teachers approved by the Council of Governors in January 2021. They say this disregard constitutes a violation of teachers’ rights and perpetuates unfair labor practices.
As the court case goes on, KUNOPPET remains resolute in the quest for better terms and conditions of service for the ECDE teachers in West Pokot County, ending the long era of neglect and discrimination.