TSC Sets A Fresh Round Of Mass Transfers Of Teachers

A fresh row between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) emerged following the impending mass transfer and delocalization of school heads working within their areas.

According to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), directed its regional staff to collect and forward data of school heads who have stayed in one station for over nine years.

Panic has hit over 30,000 heads of public schools as details emerged of a fresh shake-up by the TSC. Deputy headteachers and deputy principals who have served in the same institution for over six years will also be transferred.

In a February 26 memo to all Regional Directors, TSC wants to be furnished with details of primary school headteachers and principals of secondary schools who have exited the teaching service.

Data of school heads who are presently working from home due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic has been requested by employers, signaling a major shake-up of public schools’ management.

Nancy Macharia, TSC Chief Executive Officer, had asked teachers who are 50 years and above and those with underlying conditions to work from home to mitigate the spread of the virus.

According to the memo dated February 26 and whose deadline lapsed last week advises that principals aged 55 and below be considered for transfers. It says that newly appointed principals under Grade D3 principals will fill the vacancies.

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County Schools are headed by principals falling under Grade D3. There are about 1, 031 county schools with about 145,000 learners. Principals of sub-county schools fall under grade D2. There are about 7,000 sub-county schools with about 650,000 students.

Principals of extra county schools fall under grade D4. There are about 531 sub-county schools with approximately 130, 000 students.

TSC wants the age of the headteacher captured for primary school. The teacher’s home county, designation, current station, and the host county of the school details are also required.

Wilson Sossion, KNUT Secretary-General said the union will oppose the plan which he said will be rolled out in April. In 2019, the Teacher Service Commission (TSC) had already a list of principals and primary school headteachers who were supposed to be transferred to work away from their home counties.

The delocalization of teachers began in January 2018, with the highest number of transfers being witnessed in April and August 2018. This led to a lot of disruptions given that the academic year was not yet over.