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Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) slammed the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Wednesday for abruptly firing 742 Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers. The sacking came just two days after the teachers ended their nationwide strike, which began in April.
The fired interns, who had been protesting for permanent employment with pension benefits, reached an agreement with the National Assembly’s committees to address some of their concerns. However, KUPPET Deputy Secretary General Moses Nthurima condemned the dismissals, saying they were a blatant disregard for proper procedure.
“The sudden dismissal of these JSS teachers is deeply concerning,” Nthurima stated. “The principles of natural justice demand that employees be given a chance to defend themselves before termination. These teachers were not afforded that right.”
Nthurima further pointed out a promise from TSC not to terminate the interns’ contracts as part of the strike resolution. In May, the commission issued show-cause notices to over 7,000 teachers regarding the strike, but termination letters dated June 6th only reached school heads two days ago.
“We had a clear agreement that teachers returning to work wouldn’t be penalized,” Nthurima noted. “The show-cause letters were supposed to be withdrawn, and we were working towards a solution for JSS teachers. These dismissals undermine that progress.”
He stressed the illogical timing of the firings, considering ongoing efforts to secure permanent positions for the JSS teachers through legislative channels.
“Parliament is currently discussing a bill to permanently employ these teachers,” Nthurima said. “Firing them now only creates unnecessary complications.”
KUPPET is prepared to take legal action against TSC if the dismissals are not reversed.
“KUPPET has tirelessly advocated for these teachers before both TSC and the National Assembly,” Nthurima added. “We will not stand by and watch them be unfairly sacked. We urge TSC to reconsider and absorb all interns into permanent positions. We are also prepared to challenge these dismissals in court if necessary.”
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