The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has raised the alarm over what it calls “silent” plans by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to reintroduce the controversial delocalisation policy, which previously strained relations between the union and the government during the Jubilee era.
Speaking after successfully overseeing the KNUT Machakos branch elections, National Treasurer James Muuo Ndiku warned that teacher transfers were now being quietly facilitated through promotions.
“This is worrying. Delocalisation caused unnecessary tension before, and we will not sit back while it is reintroduced under the guise of promotions,” Ndiku said.
He also criticised the government over delayed disbursement of school capitation, noting that school heads are struggling to manage Grade 10 education without adequate resources.
“School leaders are currently bearing the brunt of inadequate funding. It is unfair to expect them to deliver quality education under these conditions,” Ndiku added.
Meanwhile, the Machakos branch elections have exposed broader challenges faced by classroom teachers in the county. Candidates say they were only informed last week that campaigns would start Monday, leaving just five days to reach voters across Kathiani, Athi River, Machakos Town, and Kalama.
Rachael Mwikali, who was vying for Assistant Executive Secretary, described the campaign period as “financially and logistically straining,” while Vice Chair candidate Fredrick Mbithi accused union administrators of sidelining classroom teachers.
Women Representative hopeful Pauline Doyle also questioned the eligibility of some candidates from other counties, insisting that leadership should come from within Machakos.
Teachers at the grassroots say the challenges go beyond elections. Many report being transferred to schools without request, a move they describe as punitive and destabilizing. One teacher said,
“When a teacher gets a transfer they did not request, it is not right. It destabilizes them financially and emotionally, and they cannot perform well. Transfers should only happen when requested.”
Female teachers also voiced concerns about accessing leadership opportunities, noting that many struggle to address issues in staffrooms or fear confronting headteachers. Doyle added,
“Most union members are classroom teachers, and most female challenges are faced in the staffroom. They are often afraid to face HODs to discuss their issues.”
With just days left before the polls, candidates had turned to social media and peer networks to reach teachers they could not physically meet, appealing for support. The elections were closely contested, with members demanding stronger representation and accountability from their leaders.
However, sources claim that some of the individuals raising these concerns may not be legitimate. One source said,
“Those people are crooks, they didn’t follow KNUT rules and election procedures. Apparently, they are KUPPET people but wearing KNUT colors.”
The ongoing tension reflects both a vote for leadership and a broader call for fairness in the treatment of teachers across Machakos.
