Kuppet protests demotions, transfers of school heads

By KENAN MIRUKA    

Kisii, Kenya: The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) in Kisii County has opposed the transfers and demotion of school heads in the region.

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has transferred and demoted heads of more than ten secondary schools in Kisii County in a move aimed at boosting the academic standards in the area.

Nduru Girls High School Principal Margaret Muhanji has been moved to Nyagancha Secondary School in Sameta sub-county while principals for Rianyachuba and Nyagancha secondary schools who had applied for a swap were both dropped.

Others demoted are principals for Kabosi and Kiabusura secondary schools in Kisii Central and Kisii South districts. Nyakeyo and Tambacha Secondary schools principals in Marani sub-county have swapped places.

Kuppet Kisii County branch secretary Ben Nyaundi said the transfers and demotions were largely instigated by sponsors.

“If sponsors want a school head transferred, other stakeholders should at least be given reasonable explanation,” said Nyaundi.

He wondered why Ms Muhanji was moved to a small school barely four years after the model school was established.

“It is unfair to transfer a school head even before she receives the first KCSE results with which we can gauge her performance. TSC should rescind this decision and allow her back to her station,” said the unionist.

Kenya Secondary School Heads Association Kisii County Chairman Jairus Onchoke said demotions and transfers are likely to demoralise teachers in the region.

Kisii County TSC director Martin Bunde confirmed the transfers and demotions but said a definitive list would be released later in the week.

He also asked politicians and sponsors to stop interfering with the work of the commission.

“We have a serious problem in this county where politicians harass commission staff demanding the demotion or transfer of certain school heads,” said Bunde.