NEGLECTED? TSC Accused By Long-Serving Teachers For Denying Them Promotions
Classrooms have been deserted for the past week as the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) intensified its nationwide protests.
Promotions are one of the more contentious issues that teachers want their employers to address.
The reason is that thousands of teachers have been stuck in the same job group for years, some for up to 30 years while earning pitiful salaries despite their dedication.
Even those who have advanced degrees, such as a Master’s, find themselves in a rut.
Teachers: This is our story
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) August 31, 2024
Long serving teachers accuse TSC of denying them promotions
Teachers attribute their woes to corruption & nepotism
Thomas Kamau has been teaching for the past 34 yrs#CitizenWeekend@OBurrows pic.twitter.com/4qbB1ltUW5
Citizen TV interviewed Thomas Kamau Muiruri, who, when he decided to enter the teaching profession in the 1980s, had high hopes. However, more than 30 years later, he is filled with regret.
Thomas has remained in the lowest job groups for 34 years, advancing only one step in rank despite his hard work.
“I started teaching in 1990,” said Thomas. “I got transferred to Jericho in 1994… the only promotion I got was during the mass promotion in 2002.”
Despite his high academic credentials and numerous accolades, he has been shortlisted for interviews by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) several times but has never been selected.
“In 2010, I went for an interview when I was doing my Master’s exams. In 2017, another interview,” he explained.
Lawrence Maraganga is another teacher who, despite his qualifications, is stuck in the same job category.
“The last interview was this year… after the letter came, I was not there,” stated Maraganga.
KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori bellowed saying; “Some of these teachers have moved no steps ahead.”
They claim that some teachers who entered the profession later rose through the ranks much more quickly.
“Some of those behind me are way, way in better positions… wengine tuliwafunza,” lamented Thomas.
These teachers are among thousands who are approaching retirement with little to show for their years of service.
This is a situation that has prompted many teachers to boycott work and hold ongoing protests to demand their rights.
Teachers have a variety of complaints, but the issue of promotions appears to be the elephant in the room, driving teachers away from the classroom.
These long-standing concerns have yet to be properly addressed. Will the teaching profession ever get the respect it deserves?
NEGLECTED? TSC Accused By Long-Serving Teachers For Denying Them Promotions
