Fred Matiang'i's Brother John Calls for Consideration in New Rules TSC Issued to Teachers

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i on Tuesday revealed that his own brother had called on him to resolve the latest tussle between teachers and their employer, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

The Teachers' unions and TSC have locked horns over a new set of regulations requiring the tutors to be in school during weekends and public holidays.

Speaking during an interview with a vernacular radio station, Dr Matiang’i noted that following calls from his brother John Matiang'i and other education stakeholders, he had directed TSC to convene an urgent meeting to discuss the contentious regulations. 

"We have received calls from teachers' unions and representatives about the new rules. I have thus asked TSC to convene a meeting to discuss the issue and build consensus," the CS said on Egesa FM.

"My own brother who is the National Treasurer of KNUT is among the many people who have called to convey teachers' concerns. I have also received calls from the Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association ( KEPSHA) among many others. It's our duty to discuss and find an amicable solution," he added.

The CS acknowledged that the contentious regulations banning non-academic activities on weekdays had raised concerns among stakeholders, therefore, there was a need for a review to create consensus.

Teachers led by KNUT Secretary-General Wilson Sossion have complained that forcing them to be in schools during weekends and holidays amounts to punishment.

"Teachers are not refusing to teach but the focus should be on employing more teachers, not making them work on weekends and holidays," said KNUT in protest to the regulations.

At the same time, the  Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) demanded the withdrawal of the circular and directed teachers to ignore it "as we handle this matter with the TSC".

"We express our dismay with the TSC circular forcing teachers to work over the weekend. I wish to remind them, it is against the Employment Act to work extra hours," said Kuppet national chairman Omboko Milemba.

TSC, on the other hand, insisted the rules would not be relaxed, warning that absence from school without documentation would be met with strict disciplinary action.

It now remains to be seen whether the TSC will yield to the demands by the teachers who have also threatened to move to court over the rules.