The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) has declared an industrial action set to begin January 2, 2019, over what it describes as systemic violations of labor rights by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Key Grievances ¶
Knut Secretary-General Wilson Sossion cited four primary issues triggering the strike: failure to promote teachers based on merit, irregular transfers of over 3,000 headteachers, and non-implementation of the 2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement. The union warned that school closures could last beyond the initial strike period.
"Merry Christmas... but we can’t promise you that the new year will start well," Sossion stated during a televised address. "Parents should adjust their budgets very well because Christmas will be extended into the new year." He accused TSC of "de-professionalising the teaching profession" through arbitrary transfers and stalled promotions.
Controversial Transfers ¶
The union alleged that TSC CEO Nancy Macharia authorized transfers of headteachers without approval from the TSC appointment board. These moves target educators who have served in the same location for over nine years, with a December 28 deadline for handover.
This follows a 2018 delocalisation program that displaced 1,065 principals, sparking protests that reached President Uhuru Kenyatta. The head of state later urged TSC to review the policy to prevent family disruptions.
"TSC is disrespecting the president," Sossion said. The union demands reversal of all transfers and full compliance with the 2021 agreement, which ended a prolonged strike last year.
