MP opposes transfer of teachers in Turkana

Turkana North MP Paul Nabuin has criticized the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for transferring more than 47 teachers without a replacement.

Nabuin said the transfers have severely disrupted learning in the region, leading to significant teacher shortage.

The MP raised concern over a trend where teachers from outside the county secure employment in local schools, only to seek transfer soon after to their home counties.

“This practice has undermined the stability and continuity of education in Turkana since many schools are left empty. This is a blatant denial of education to children from pastoralist community which goes against the government mandate,” Nabuin said.

The legislator warned TSC against making decisions that undermine education in the marginalised area. 

“Over 47 teachers have been transferred, leaving our schools understaffed. We condemn these actions by the TSC regional commissioner. All teachers employed in Turkana have been moved elsewhere, and this goes against policy. We demand all replacement forms for every teacher transferred. This injustice to our county cannot be ignored,” Nabuin lamented.

The MP has threatened to take action against the responsible official if immediate measures are not taken to address the situation.

Local education stakeholders led by the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (Kessha) and Kenya Union of Post Primary School Teachers (Kuppet) termed the transfer of teachers unfair.

Kessha Secretary General Michael Ejikon accused TSC of transferring teachers from various schools to paralyse education in the region.

Similarly, Kuppet official Simon Areman cited a case where the entire teaching staff in a school was transferred without a replacement leaving students stranded.

The education stakeholders termed the mass transfer of teachers a catastrophe.

Efforts to get a comment from TSC were futile.