Why TSC and union believe Finance Bill 2024 penalizes teachers.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) recently drafted an amendment to the TSC Act of 2012, which has sparked outrage among educators and unionists. Teachers argue that the proposed TSC Amendment Bill does not serve their best interests, while unionists label the plans as punitive.
Key Points of Contention:
- Prohibition on Other Employment:
- The bill includes a measure prohibiting teachers from engaging in other gainful employment while employed by the commission. This has been a significant point of contention.
- Mandatory Certification and Development:
- The TSC aims to enforce legislation requiring all teachers to obtain a teaching certificate and participate in ongoing, compulsory professional development.
- The bill states that a teacher who fails to obtain a practicing certificate or undertake prescribed continuous professional development programs will be prohibited from teaching.
Union and Educator Reactions:
- Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Stance:
- KNUT refused to attend a stakeholders’ engagement conference organized by TSC to discuss the draft bill.
- KNUT Secretary General, Collins Oyuu, argued that the bill does not serve teachers’ interests and attending the meeting would imply agreement with the bill.
- Oyuu claims that between 40 to 50 percent of the bill’s provisions are intended to penalize teachers.
- Teacher Concerns:
- Teachers contacted KNUT officials with concerns about the draft bill, leading to sleepless nights for officials.
- Some educators criticized KNUT for not attending the meeting, arguing that non-attendance equates to endorsing the bill.
- Paul Kamau and Jacob Leftist emphasized the need for KNUT to confront TSC and question the restrictive measures proposed.
- Support for KNUT’s Decision:
- Mike Mutahi supported KNUT’s decision to skip the meeting, stating that attending would have ratified an illegality.
- Enock Kosgei expressed hope that the bill will not pass, highlighting that mandatory certification and professional development would lower morale and harm the education system.
- Additional Criticisms:
- Tumia Rajab questioned the necessity of the Teachers Professional Development (TPD) requirement.
- Rajab and other educators criticized TSC’s management, claiming it is handled by non-teachers who do not understand the profession.
- Dennis Nyongesa demanded the bill’s rejection, questioning the funding for the required TPD.
- Grace Maingi noted that parents, not teachers, promote holiday tuition, which TSC suggests penalizing.
- Amunga Akhanyalabandu highlighted the absence of comprehensive education in the amendment bill.
The TSC has invited public feedback on the proposed legislation before it is presented in Parliament. The stakeholders’ meeting included unions such as KUPPET, the Kenya Women Teachers Association, and the Kenya Union of Special Needs
Why TSC and union believe Finance Bill 2024 penalizes teachers.
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