Collins Oyuu, Secretary General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), has raised strong concerns over what he describes as unfair and demoralizing teacher promotion practices by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Speaking at a recent union event, Oyuu criticized the commission for bypassing veteran educators in favor of recent graduates, a move he says defies logic and undermines the values of experience and commitment in the teaching profession.
“You must be humane and just. Choosing a teacher who graduated from college in 2023 while excluding the one who completed teacher training in 2010 raises more issues than it resolves,” Oyuu stated.
Veterans Overlooked, Morale in Decline
Oyuu questioned how it is justifiable to promote newly trained teachers over colleagues who have served the education sector for over a decade, particularly those who have worked in remote and underserved areas under difficult conditions.
He warned that the trend could demoralize thousands of loyal teachers, sparking resentment and disengagement across the sector.
Call for Policy Reform and Transparency
KNUT is now calling on the TSC to review and revise its promotion criteria, advocating for a system that prioritizes:
- Years of service and teaching experience
- Dedication to learners
- Equitable regional distribution of promotions
- Transparency and stakeholder engagement
Oyuu emphasized that teacher promotions should not be a mystery or a privilege reserved for the favored few, but a clear and consistent process grounded in merit and fairness.
KNUT Vows to Defend Affected Teachers
The union leader pledged that KNUT will not stand idly by while long-serving educators are sidelined. He vowed to seek justice for affected members, and demanded that TSC work with unions and other education stakeholders to create a better system.
“Teachers are the foundation of our education system. They deserve to be treated with fairness and dignity,” he concluded.
Nationwide Discontent Grows
Oyuu’s remarks come amid growing dissatisfaction among Kenyan teachers regarding recent TSC promotions. Numerous educators have alleged favoritism, inconsistency, and a lack of transparency, intensifying calls for systemic reforms.
KNUT is currently spearheading a campaign to ensure that promotion policies are just, inclusive, and reflective of teachers’ true contributions to the nation’s education system.
