KNUT protests teacher transfers over political interference
KNUT protests teacher transfers over political interference
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has protested the latest transfers of teachers, accusing politicians of influencing the decisions and demanding an explanation from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Union officials in Lurambi Constituency, Kakamega County, alleged that the transfers unfairly targeted branch Chairperson Jacob Sifuna and his deputy, Gilbert Etole, and were carried out in violation of the commission’s established procedures.
Teachers in the areas described the latest transfers as politically motivated, saying they have been left in a state of uncertainty over their future postings.
“We would like to ask the TSC to kindly protect its members from the political class. If we can have members of parliament manipulating transfers of teachers, I think it is very unfortunate for us,” said Jackline Mulindi, the treasurer at the KNUT Kakamega branch.
The union further alleged that some teachers had received threats over the issue and called on the commission to protect its members.
Some educators also claimed the transfers disproportionately affected teachers who were not originally from the area.
Branch Executive Secretary Tom Ingolo urged politicians to refrain from interfering with teacher deployment, insisting that staffing decisions are the sole responsibility of the TSC.
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Lurambi Member of Parliament Titus Khamala Mukhwana denied any involvement, maintaining that he has no authority to transfer teachers and that the mandate rests entirely with the TSC.
Last month, acting TSC Chief Executive Officer Evaleen Mitei acknowledged that political interference in teacher deployment was a concern for the commission.
She cautioned politicians and other stakeholders against attempts to meddle in the deployment process, reiterating that the TSC is exclusively responsible for staffing decisions.
The dispute comes as teachers continue to oppose transfers linked to the TSC’s delocalisation policy, arguing that the exercise has displaced long-serving educators from their home counties.
Teachers have also complained that appeals lodged before the commission’s transfer committee have yielded little success, with some still being posted to distant regions.
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