The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Turkana County has issued a strong condemnation of the National Assembly Committee on Education’s decision to nullify the promotions of over 25,000 teachers approved by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

KUPPET Turkana Executive Secretary Michael Ejikon described the move as a major setback for education stakeholders, particularly in marginalized and hardship regions like Turkana. He accused the committee of undermining the TSC’s established guidelines on qualifications and promotions.

“This decision disregards the efforts and progress made by hardworking teachers in regions like Turkana, where the challenges of delivering quality education are immense,” said Ejikon. “It demoralizes educators who have met the required qualifications and served diligently in difficult environments.”

Ejikon urged Parliament to reverse the decision, emphasizing the importance of supporting, rather than frustrating, teachers working under tough conditions. He also called on the Ministry of Education to safeguard the independence of the TSC from political interference.

Article 56 of the Constitution states that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is an independent body and should be allowed to operate without political interference.

The union has now issued a stern warning to the government, threatening to down their tools if the ongoing promotion process is not honored without further delay.

Ejikon stressed that teachers working in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) fall under affirmative action policies and must not be sidelined. He criticized the Education Committee for stalling the process and instead urged them to push for increased budgetary allocations to enable more promotions.

The committee recently issued a seven-day ultimatum to the TSC, demanding a detailed report on the criteria used in the promotions, including merit and regional working conditions. This move has further angered teachers, who view it as an unnecessary obstruction.