The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has protested the transfer of several teachers in Lurambi Constituency, accusing politicians of influencing deployment decisions that should be handled independently by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
The union claims the latest transfers unfairly targeted its local leadership, violated established procedures and left affected teachers uncertain about their future.
The dispute has renewed concerns over political interference in teacher management as pressure mounts on the TSC to safeguard its constitutional mandate.
KNUT Protests Teacher Transfers in Lurambi as Union Demands TSC Action
KNUT officials in Lurambi Constituency, Kakamega County, accused politicians of meddling in teacher transfers and called on the TSC to explain the latest deployment decisions.
The union alleged that the transfers unfairly targeted Kakamega branch Chairperson Jacob Sifuna and his deputy, Gilbert Etole, contrary to the commission's established procedures.
Teachers described the transfers as politically motivated, arguing that they have created uncertainty over their future work stations.
KNUT Kakamega branch Treasurer Jackline Mulindi urged the TSC to shield teachers from political influence, warning that elected leaders should not manipulate staff transfers.
Union Alleges Teachers Received Threats Over Transfers
KNUT further claimed that some teachers had received threats linked to the transfer exercise and urged the commission to protect affected staff.
The union also alleged that the transfers disproportionately affected teachers who were not originally from the area.
Branch Executive Secretary Tom Ingolo maintained that teacher deployment falls exclusively under the TSC's mandate and warned politicians against interfering with staffing decisions.
MP Denies Claims as TSC Reaffirms Its Exclusive Mandate
Lurambi Member of Parliament Titus Khamala Mukhwana denied any involvement in the transfers, insisting that he has no authority to move teachers and that only the TSC is responsible for deployment decisions.
The latest dispute comes weeks after acting TSC Chief Executive Officer Evaleen Mitei acknowledged that political interference in teacher deployment remains a concern.
She cautioned politicians and other stakeholders against attempting to influence transfers, reiterating that staffing decisions rest solely with the commission.
The row also revives concerns over the TSC's delocalisation policy, which many teachers say has forced long-serving educators away from their home counties.
Teachers have further complained that appeals submitted to the commission's transfer committee have rarely succeeded, with many still being posted to distant regions.
Key Issues Raised by KNUT
| Issue | KNUT's Position |
|---|---|
| Political interference | Politicians are allegedly influencing teacher transfers |
| Targeted officials | Branch Chair Jacob Sifuna and Deputy Gilbert Etole |
| Teacher safety | Some teachers reportedly received threats |
| TSC role | Union insists only TSC should handle deployments |
| Delocalisation | Teachers continue opposing transfers away from home counties |
The dispute adds fresh pressure on the TSC to demonstrate that teacher transfers remain transparent, lawful and free from political influence as concerns among educators continue to grow.
