TSC issues 5,000 head teachers with show cause letters over ongoing strike

TSC Chair Lydia Nzomo

Nairobi, Kenya: The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has commenced disciplinary action against striking teachers in the country as the tussle on pay rise continues.

TSC has served 5,000 head teachers with show cause letters to commence disciplinary action against them for absenteeism, negligence and insubordination.

 “We have commenced the disciplinary process. The commission has appealed the payment dispute and we have to wait for the appeal case which will be heard on 22nd this month,” said TSC Chair Lydia Nzomo.

The TSC chairperson said the commission, early this month, released a circular advising teachers to resume their duties but they were adamant.

"All teachers in substantive or acting administrative positions were directed to be on duty at all times to ensure order, safety of learners and preservation of school property. While most of the staff complied with the directive, some have not," Nzomo said.

The letters which will be delivered to the heads through county directors have asked the head teachers to respond within fourteen days why disciplinary action should not be taken against them for absenteeism, negligence of duty and infamous conduct (incitement, closing school).

She said the teachers strike should be brought to an end adding that TSC has on several occasions appealed to the teachers to resume duty. She said TSC is still committed to an amicable solution to the pay dispute.

The chair pointed out that teachers who are interested in resuming duty are free to do so and would be accorded free security.

She said the commission has resolved to depart from the past where its employees defy the employer and go scot free.

"This practice has to be brought to an end at whatever cost, even if it means replacing some of the teachers. It will no longer be possible to miss work and earn a salary. For union officials to therefore purport to direct teachers who earn salaries from public funds is both preposterous and insincere," she emphasised.

The employer has so far interdicted two teachers who stormed Chavakali high school for causing disruption at the institution.

“It is unfortunate that teachers and union officials could attack students who were resisting disruption of studies yet they are supposed to protect them at all times,” said Nzomo.