This archive report was first published on 3 August 2019.
Published on August 3, 2019, the ongoing feud between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) has reached a boiling point, with teachers bearing the brunt of the constant court battles, public bickering, and punitive actions by the employer.
According to psychologists, the displaced aggression resulting from these endless combat-driven ego wars translates into poor classroom delivery and vengeance on learners and parents, ultimately leading to poor quality teaching and learning.
The latest standoff over salaries and promotion is a painful reminder of the need for a better approach. TSC has taken a drastic move of cutting teachers' pay and reverting to old salaries paid two years ago, citing the recent ruling by the Industrial Court that stopped TSC's new policy on promotion and career progression.
However, the principle of natural justice dictates that an employee should not forfeit existing benefits or be penalized retroactively. The TSC's view is seen as vengeful, and the question remains: What does it seek to achieve with this painful move?
TSC, Knut, and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Teachers (Kuppet) have a solemn duty to enhance quality standards by promoting the welfare of teachers. Although they have different mandates, their goals coalesce on serving teachers' interests, which in turn leads to effective teaching and learning for the benefit of learners and parents.
It is time for TSC and Knut to put aside their differences and engage in honest discussions to resolve their disputes. Not every dispute must be taken to court, and not every action pursued on a narrow legalistic frame. The drastic measures taken on teachers by TSC are counterproductive and must be avoided.
