The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has announced plans for industrial action beginning January 2, 2019, over disputes with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) regarding labor rights and teacher reassignments.
Secretary General Wilson Sossion stated the strike would follow TSC's failure to resolve grievances about promotions and working conditions. "Teachers shall not assume duties until all outstanding matters are resolved," he declared, emphasizing the union's stance on fair career progression.
KNUT opposed the planned transfer of 3,094 head teachers, arguing the move would destabilize families and disrupt educational continuity. Sossion criticized TSC for conducting transfers without approval from its appointment board, calling the process "deep confusion and mishandling." The union warned of broader strikes if the transfers proceed.
The TSC's restructuring initiative, announced in December 2018, would affect primary and secondary school leadership as schools reopen for the first term. KNUT cited records showing the policy threatens community stability, with Sossion stating, "Do not disrupt the families of teachers through the delocalisation and transfers."
