TSC to include Knut, Kuppet in developing growth programmes
Teachers Service Commission chief executive Nancy Macharia addresses National Assembly's education committee on February 19, 2020. The commission will engage teacher unions in developing career progression programmes. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The court ruled that the teacher professional development modules in dispute should not be implemented as they fall short of what is prescribed by TSC.
- Kuppet Secretary-General Akelo Misori says professional courses will play a central role in teachers’ promotions and remuneration in future.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has moved to assure teachers that the roll-out of teacher professional development programmes will be done after consultations with all players.
TSC head of communications Beatrice Wababu said in a statement that modalities of the programmes are still being developed.
“The commission is cognisant of the existing court order in regard to teacher professional development (TPD) and has so far acted in total compliance with the same,” said Ms Wababu.
She said implementation of the programmes will only be undertaken once the requirements stipulated by the court have been met.
The Employment and Labour Relations Court ruled on July 12 last year that the teacher professional development modules in dispute should not be implemented as they fell short of what is prescribed by TSC.
CAREER ADVANCEMENT
It further ruled that the commission should not implement TPD because it failed to comply with the provisions of the Statutory Instruments, 2013.
The court directed TSC and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) to engage each other on the programmes.
The courses are to be offered at Mount Kenya University, Riara University, Kenya Education Management Institute and Kenyatta University.
The commission is mandated by the TSC Act, 2012 and the Code of Regulations for Teachers (2015) to ensure every registered teacher undertakes the prescribed career progression and professional development programmes.
Ms Wababu said the roll-out and implementation of the programmes will be preceded by a circular addressed to all teachers.
VITAL ROLE
Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education (Kuppet) and Knut have both protested over failure by the commission to involve them in the development of the programmes.
“The union strongly feels that the TPD programmes will alter the terms and conditions of service for our members; hence, Knut should be fully engaged prior to rolling out the programmes,” said Secretary-General Wilson Sossion.
Mr Sossion said TPD programmes should not be used to replace certificates, diplomas, degrees, master’s degrees and PhD qualifications, which have previously been used to upgrade and promote teachers.
Kuppet Secretary-General Akelo Misori said professional courses will play a central role in teachers’ promotions and remuneration in future.
