Crisis in North Eastern Region as MPs Condemn Interdiction of Non-Local Teachers

In a move that has ignited controversy and raised significant concerns, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) recently issued interdiction letters to non-local teachers working in the North Eastern region of Kenya.

The affected educators had embarked on a strike, citing prolonged insecurity in the area as the primary reason for their absence from work.

This decision by the TSC has drawn sharp criticism from Members of Parliament, who are urging the commission to reconsider its stance, deeming the disciplinary action as both unwise and inhumane.

MPs Demand Reversal of Teacher Interdiction

The National Assembly Education Committee, led by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, has taken a strong stance against the TSC’s decision to interdict 129 non-local teachers.

These teachers had expressed genuine concerns about their safety due to escalating insecurity in the region.

MP Julius Melly emphasized the need for a more compassionate approach, stating, “Those who feel they can continue, we have no problem; they can do so. But for those in insecure, far-flung border areas, it is not safe. We strongly condemn the interdiction of these teachers; it is inhumane and lacks wisdom. When someone is insecure, we must listen and offer a solution.”

Teachers’ Pleas for Transfers Go Unanswered

Despite the pleas of non-local teachers stationed in Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa Counties for transfers to safer areas, their requests remained unanswered.

This has left these educators feeling frustrated and unheard, leading to tensions between the teachers and the TSC.

The affected teachers attended a board meeting with the commission, seeking a solution to their concerns, but the outcome fell short of their expectations.

TSC’s Backdated Interdiction Letters Spark Tensions

In a controversial move, the TSC responded to the teachers’ absence by issuing backdated interdiction letters, alleging that they had not reported to work by the stipulated deadline of September 7th.

This action has further strained relations between the affected teachers and the commission.

Non-Local Teachers Voice Their Concerns

The non-local teachers have expressed multiple grievances contributing to their discontent.

These include concerns about insecurity, the lack of transportation options, discrimination, and intimidation by the TSC.

Moreover, issues related to religious intolerance and limited growth opportunities within the teaching profession have been cited as significant deterrents to the teachers returning to their duty stations.

Impact on Upcoming National Examinations

The ongoing conflict between the affected teachers and the TSC has the potential to disrupt the management of the upcoming national examinations in the three North Eastern counties, scheduled to begin next week.

Teachers have revealed that they are compelled to pay for the services of National Police Reservists to ensure their security, as the local police infrastructure cannot accommodate all teachers due to their numbers.

Additionally, they reported that local residents are unwilling to rent houses to them due to security concerns, forcing them to stay in police stations.

Calls for Implementing Cabinet Secretary’s Recommendations

The affected teachers are advocating for the implementation of recommendations issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.

Kindiki advised the TSC to consider posting non-local teachers in the insecurity-prone Northern counties for shorter durations and then reshuffling them.

He also recommended the hiring of more local teachers.

Data from the TSC reveals a disparity in the number of non-local teachers as compared to their local counterparts in these regions.

In Mandera, out of 1,406 teachers, 607 are from the local community, and 799 are non-locals. Wajir County has 1,355 teachers, with 694 locals and 661 non-locals, while in Garissa, 964 teachers are from outside the county, with 364 being local community members out of a total of 1,328 teachers.

In conclusion, the standoff between the TSC and non-local teachers in the North Eastern region continues to escalate, with MPs condemning the interdiction of educators who fear for their safety.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether a resolution can be reached that addresses the concerns of these teachers while ensuring the educational needs of the region’s students are met.

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