KNUT Urges TSC to Halt Teacher Transfers from Nairobi, Citing Risks to Student Performance
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has called on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to immediately stop the ongoing transfer of educators from Nairobi to other counties, warning that the move resembles the previously abolished delocalisation policy and threatens the stability of learning in the capital.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, KNUT Nairobi branch chairperson Nyamai Kasina revealed that numerous teachers have received transfer letters relocating them to counties such as Kitui. He criticized the transfers as unjust and disruptive, particularly as they occur during a critical period when students are preparing for national examinations.
“Some teachers have already been issued delocalisation letters, while others have only three months left before their transfer. We were under the impression that delocalisation had ended, but it appears to be resurfacing in Nairobi,” Kasina stated.
He emphasized that the government had officially discontinued the delocalisation policy and questioned the rationale behind its apparent reinstatement in the capital. Kasina further highlighted the adverse impact on learners who stand to lose the guidance of experienced teachers they have worked with for years.
Supporting Kasina’s position, KNUT Nairobi branch Secretary General Macharia Mugo condemned the transfers, urging the TSC to prioritize rewarding veteran teachers rather than displacing them. “We demand that the TSC rescind these punitive transfer letters and comply with existing government policies on delocalisation. Instead of offering promotional opportunities, teachers are being subjected to conditional transfers,” Mugo said.
KNUT officials in Nairobi criticized the TSC’s actions as neglectful of both teacher welfare and student interests, arguing that removing seasoned educators weakens the education system rather than enhancing it.
The union’s demands follow allegations from KNUT’s national leadership accusing politicians of interfering in teacher recruitment and promotion processes. National chairperson Malel Lang’at claimed that some political figures have been collecting employment letters directly from TSC offices and distributing them publicly.
“As a union, we insist that teacher recruitment should be conducted fairly, without political bias or interference,” Lang’at asserted.
Lang’at also called on the newly appointed TSC Chief Executive Officer, Evaleen Mitei, to enforce transparency in teacher management and ensure that appointments and promotions are free from external influence.
