Several teachers demand for transfers.
Several teachers demand for transfers.
Several teachers demand for transfers.
On Monday, more than 200 West Pokot teachers working in Trans Nzoia County marched to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) offices in Kitale to demand transfers.
The primary school teachers complained that, despite the fact that delocalization had been abolished, TSC had denied them transfer to their counties.
Officials turned the teachers away, insisting that they return to their work stations.
They complained, led by John Kimtai, a teacher at Cheptandan Primary School, that the delocalization initiative had caused them hardship, citing family breakups .
The teachers accused TSC of delaying their transfers despite the government’s decision to cancel the delocalization initiative.
“Other teachers in other counties have been moved back to their home county, but TSC has refused to let us go back to our home county,” protested Kimtai
They alleged that delocalisation has fuelled family separation, arguing that moving them back home will fix the problem.
“Since I was transferred to Trans Nzoia County, all is not well in my family. My husband suspects I am unfaithful to him, and we are asking TSC to move us back to save our marriages,” said Eve Lokosoywan.
Some said they want to go back home and take care of their elderly parents and property.
“Some of us have elderly parents who need our care. We have also lost our investments at home,” said Justus Riongon, at teacher at Munyaka Primary School.
They said they have been denied the opportunity to benefit from hardship allowance.
They also said they were not getting hardship allowance like in West Pokot.
The teachers claimed two of their colleagues had died out of frustration.
“We are suffering. We are stressed and depressed. We don’t want to die because of working in an unfriendly environment,” one of the teachers said.
They vowed to camp outside TSC offices until their issues are addressed.
“We are going to camp here until we get transfer letters from TSC,” said one of the protesting teachers.
Efforts by The Standard to get a comment from TSC county director Ali Jamal were unsuccessful as he failed to answer calls and SMS.
