TSC stops transfer of principal after protests

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has revoked the transfer of a school principal following pressure from teachers and students.

Paul Muriuki, the principal of St Paul’s Kevote High School in Embu, had already reported at Nkubu High School in Meru County before receiving a call informing him that the decision had been reversed.

Joan Njagi, a board member of the former school, said the management recalled students - who had stormed out on Thursday.

“We received a call from TSC and told the status quo to remain. We have also recalled the students who had said they would not come back until the principal was back,” she said.

Kenya National Union of Teachers Executive Secretary Josphat Kathumi and his Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers counterpart Stephen Njeru said they had petitioned the teachers governing body, arguing the move was political.

Mr Muriuki is the chairman of Embu County Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (Kessha).

They said TSC had given a directive that no transfers would be carried out during third term unless there were problems in the individual schools.

“The move was malicious, political and not in good faith. Kessha is a powerful institution and transferring the chairman is like transferring an institution,” said Mr Kathumi.

Mr Njeru urged TSC to be mindful of the students’ affairs before carrying out transfers.

Edited by Philip Momanyi