KEWOTA CEO, Benta Opande yesterday- on behalf of KEWOTA – presented a raft of recommendations to the employer of Teachers, TSC, at the Kenya School of Government.
The employer had assembled various education stakeholders for public participation on TSC AMENDMENT Bill, 2024.
Opande called upon the TSC KENYA Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to reconsider Section 35 (2) (b), which threatens to sideline teachers who will not have undergone specified professional development courses. Instead, she advocated for a more inclusive approach, one that recognizes alternative qualifications and offers exemptions for those facing exceptional circumstances.
“With each stroke of the pen, let us remember the constitutional imperative,” Opande emphasized, that any clause that is contrary to the Constitution would be swiftly struck down by the courts.
Opande didn’t stop there. She urged TSC to embrace a culture of consultation, where teachers’ voices are actively incorporated into decision-making processes. “Gone are the days of ivory tower declarations,” she said, urging TSC to engage in meaningful dialogue with teachers always.
On disciplinary matters, Opande pressed for safeguards to be implemented during teacher suspensions and advocated for fair administrative justice by ensuring teachers receive half pay during suspension periods.
She also called for teacher representatives to be present during disciplinary proceedings for moral support and fair hearings— a common courtroom decorum.
Accompanied by steadfast emeralds: Chair Modesta Akaki and National Treasurer Jacinta Ndegwa Opande’s message was not just hers but a collective view of Kenya Women Teachers Association.
KUPPET SG Akelo Migori, and Kepsha boss Mr Nzoika among other senior education stakeholders attended the event.