The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has threatened industrial action in Nyamira County over alleged harassment of a newly deployed school principal.
The union claims a section of Catholic clergy and members of the Board of Management (BOM) at St Peter's Nyakemincha Senior School have been interfering with the principal's work.
In a letter addressed to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on Wednesday, September 2, KUPPET Nyamira Executive Secretary Ayieko Mogaka accused the officials of frustrating the principal.
The principal took charge of the school on August 21 but has allegedly faced intimidation, harassment and interference in the execution of his duties.
KUPPET claimed some officials want the principal removed and replaced with another individual of their preference.
The union described the alleged actions as irregular, unlawful and unprocedural.
KUPPET has asked the TSC, Ministry of Education and other relevant government agencies to investigate the allegations.
The union wants action taken against anyone found responsible for interfering with the principal's duties.
“Of even grave concern are reports that a section of the Catholic education committee members and BOM have not only vowed to continue frustrating and intimidating the current principal,” the union said.
The teachers' union warned that it could escalate the matter if authorities fail to address its concerns.
KUPPET said teachers affiliated with its Nyamira branch could withdraw their labour and hold peaceful processions across the county.
The union said the planned action would follow if the alleged harassment and intimidation continued.
“If the Catholic Church or BOM continue to intimidate, harass or prevent the principal from discharging his lawful responsibilities... then all the teachers who are members of KUPPET, Nyamira branch shall withdraw labour and proceed for peaceful processions across the county,” the union stated.
KUPPET also called for scrutiny of the process used to recommend transfers of principals in Catholic-sponsored schools.
The union raised concerns over public perceptions that some recommendations by Catholic education committees could be influenced by nepotism, clannism, favouritism and personal relationships.
It urged authorities to examine the matter and ensure school leadership decisions follow proper procedures.
The Nyamira dispute comes shortly after KUPPET issued another warning in Samburu County following the killing of a teacher.
The union has increasingly called for government intervention in matters affecting the safety, welfare and working environment of teachers.
In Nyamira, it has now placed TSC and other education authorities on notice, warning that failure to resolve the dispute could trigger industrial action.
