Teachers Refuse to Report to Schools Over Lack of Transfers
Teachers from regions outside Arid and Semi-Arid Land areas have not shown up for work even though it’s been two weeks since the start of the third school year. Approximately 300 teachers are currently camped at the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) headquarters and are adamant about not returning to their assigned regions unless they are granted transfers.
One teacher, Peter Kamoen from Mandera, expressed his frustration with the lack of progress on his transfer request. He reported that they had been attempting to meet with TSC boss Dr. Nancy Macharia for the past two weeks, but the commission insisted they return to work.
Evans Nyaundi called upon the Education Committee to intervene, as previous requests had fallen on deaf ears. He hoped that Julius Melly and his committee could address their concerns, ultimately leading to the TSC granting the requested transfers.
Charles Achol, a teacher in the region, highlighted the challenges they face due to insecurity and poor road networks. He explained that they were pursuing transfers due to these difficulties, with the added burden of high travel costs exceeding their monthly earnings. When they reached their new assignments, they had to stay in makeshift accommodations, which were far from ideal.
Achol noted that these conditions discouraged teachers from visiting their homes during school holidays. During a meeting with TSC CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia, Luanda MP Dick Maungu raised concerns about the traumatized teachers’ ability to effectively serve students. He emphasized the teachers’ safety, questioning how they could hide overnight and then teach effectively the next day.
Haro Abdul, a member of parliament for Mandera South, criticized the time-consuming process of seeking transfers, which detracted from teachers’ ability to serve their students. He worried that such disruptions could harm children’s education.
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Rebecca Tonkei, an MP for Narok, criticized the TSC for retaining teachers against their wishes, despite applying for transfers. Dr. Macharia, on the other hand, pointed out various factors influencing teacher transfers, including the need for replacements, job availability, personnel policies, and medical reasons.
Dr. Macharia emphasized the Commission’s obligation to ensure fair distribution and efficient deployment of teachers, aiming to provide quality education to students across the country. She noted that many ASAL teachers requested transfers back to their native regions, and various challenges made these transfers complex.
In a separate meeting with the Education Committee of the National Assembly, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki explained that many teachers had to stay in makeshift or police stations for their safety. Kindiki assured that non-local teachers had been relocated to safer areas until threats subsided.
MP Julius Melly expressed concern about the imminent closure and reopening of schools, particularly for teachers who had experienced trauma and stigmatization after losing colleagues. He emphasized the need for support and safety for these teachers.
Kindiki urged the TSC to transfer non-local teachers after a short period and recommended the government provide scholarships for local students to enroll in teaching programs.
Teachers Refuse to Report to Schools Over Lack of Transfers
