The Ministry of Education has stepped in on the contentious sacking of 742 JSS teachers- that paves the way for a possible reprieve for the affected tutors. Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang directed that the decision by the Teachers Service Commission be reviewed and viewed in a different aspect as a labour issue to be handled by both the Ministry of Labour and TSC.
Context
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers has been on the front line to help restore the teachers who were sacked from service back in 2016. KUPPET has now written to the TSC and given them a 14-day ultimatum for the teachers to be reinstated otherwise it will take the matter to court.
Key Developments:
- PS Kipsang’s Statement: On the sidelines of his Nakuru visit, PS Kipsang said that it’s a labour matter and assured to have it resolved through the appropriate labour dispute mechanisms.
- KUPPET’s Petition: KUPPET has pleaded for the sacked tutors who, although non-affiliates to the union, their case will be pursued in the public interest.
- Show Cause Letters: There were 10,348 ‘show cause’ letters from the TSC demanding explanations while directing the JSS teachers to report back to work in 14 days. However, 9,606 teachers answered the letters leaving 742 whose contracts were terminated.
Ministry’s Intervention
PS Kipsang assured that, by January next year, everything will be in place, from classrooms to desks. The ministry is expected to complete 16,000 new classrooms across the country, of which Nakuru County is set to benefit with 766 classrooms at KSh70 million.
Government’s Position
The PS supported the raise in taxes, arguing that it is compulsory for officers to pay taxes for them to enjoy necessary public amenities, such as education facilities.
KUPPET’s Legal Stance
KUPPET’s Deputy Secretary-General Mr. Moses Nthurima has announced that the union was more than willing to go to court on behalf of the fired teachers while putting forward their commitment to the public interest even though the teachers do not belong to its union membership.
Additional Context:
- Strike Background: The teachers JSS had earlier downed their tools at the beginning of the second term to protest against permanent employment.
- Government Response: The strike was called off in response to a government assurance of permanent employment for the JSS teachers.
Conclusion
A call by the Ministry of Education to review TSC’s decision to fire 742 JSS teachers brings a new ray of hope to the affected tutors. The case, therefore, as a labour dispute, will be dealt with within the set frameworks of labour disputes resolutions while on the other hand, KUPPET’s firm stand and threat to move to court is a clear indication of the gravity of the matter. From a broader perspective, construction of new classes and tax approach by the administration spells the educational and fiscal policy under this administration.