Defending JSS Teachers: KNUT’s Stance on Disciplinary Actions

The Masaba North Sub-branch of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has vowed to stand by Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers who have faced disciplinary action for participating in recent strikes. The declaration was made by the branch’s Executive Secretary, Joseph Arasa, who addressed an assembly of parents, teachers, and students at Eronge DEB Primary School in Kitutu Masaba Constituency.

Arasa emphasized the union’s commitment to advocate for the reinstatement of teachers who were removed from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) payroll due to their involvement in the strikes. He noted that while many teachers have been remorseful and have since returned to work, a group of 742 teachers have not been reinstated due to their refusal to apologize.

“Almost all of them downed their tools, but those who were remorseful are back enjoying their work. The obstinate ones are now crying for help,” Arasa said. He expressed regret that despite warnings about the repercussions of their actions, a small fraction of the 10,700 JSS teachers were disciplined and subsequently dismissed from their positions.

Arasa urged these teachers to demonstrate humility and consider apologizing to the TSC as a step towards regaining their jobs. He also addressed the wider teaching community, urging them to lead exemplary lives and leave lasting legacies upon retirement. This message was underscored during the retirement ceremony of Nyakoe, a respected teacher from Eronge DEB Primary School.

In his speech, Arasa also called on school sponsors to refrain from interfering with the operational aspects of schools. He criticized certain unnamed denominations for influencing the placement of teachers based on religious affiliations. “When the government trains teachers, it does not indicate their denominations on their certificates. A teacher is mandated to teach in any school, anywhere in and outside the country,” he asserted.

The ceremony saw heartfelt tributes to Nyakoe, with parents and teachers praising his dedicated service. Parent Damaris Nyakundi remarked, “A teacher is always a teacher, even if it does not mean for him to carry a book and pen. He can always stand in the center of the community and offer direction.” Another parent, David Ongeri, acknowledged Nyakoe’s impact on the teaching field and expressed confidence that his rich experience would continue to benefit the community.

The event concluded with a vibrant celebration, as the retired teacher danced with his colleagues and students, sharing tears of love and promises to continue contributing to the socio-economic development of the village.

The stance taken by the Masaba North KNUT branch highlights the ongoing challenges within the education sector in Kenya, where balancing the rights and responsibilities of teachers remains a complex issue. As the union continues to negotiate with the TSC, the fate of the disciplined JSS teachers hangs in the balance, underscoring the need for dialogue and mutual understanding in resolving labor disputes.