MPs Have Blasted KNUT For Failing and Betraying Teachers
MPs Have Blasted KNUT For Failing and Betraying Teachers. Elected officials of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) have come under fire from the National Assembly Education Committee. The board expressed its dismay that the staff had neglected their responsibility to safeguard the concerns and welfare of teachers. In addition, the issue of transparency regarding the collection and use of recruitment fees has been raised.
The union’s deputy general secretary, Hezbon Otieno, faced difficulties when he presented the union’s case before the committee. The dispute arose out of a petition by a teacher who expressed displeasure at the lack of salary update despite being appointed head teacher.
Luanda MP Dick Maungu accused the union of firing teachers and questioning their safety and value for money. Failure to collaborate with the Teacher Service Council (TSC) suggests that teachers may be frustrated.
Committee chairman Julius Melly asked union officials for monthly income and membership figures. Deputy Secretary General Otieno asked for more time to gather accurate information. Melli said transparency was needed and the union called for adequate teacher representation.
Otieno said each member contributes two percent of their salary to the union. The union, which survived the loss of members, is estimated by Maungu to generate more than Sh100 million a month.
He said the national union had complained about TSC’s career development policy and questioned the way it was being done for teachers. The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) states that teachers are not comfortable in conflict. The union is believed to have fired the teacher.
The board instructed union leaders to come forward within a week with details of membership, income and expenses. They were also asked to list teachers whose salaries were increased regardless of tenure and transfer from elementary to junior high.
Responding to the demand, Otieno said the salaries and allowances of the promoted teachers remain unchanged. Determining salaries and allowances for teachers in the same job is against the labor law, Otieno said.
MPs Have Blasted KNUT For Failing and Betraying Teachers