KNUT warns politicians over manipulation of teachers’ employment letters

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has cautioned politicians against interference in the recruitment and promotion of teachers, saying such practices undermine merit and professionalism in the sector.

Speaking in Kajiado on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, KNUT National Deputy Chairperson Malel Lang’at emphasised the importance of giving teachers fair employment opportunities.

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He noted that political meddling has left many qualified graduates unemployed despite widespread teacher shortages.

Lang’at elaborated on the nature of the interference, saying, “Na kama chama tunasema walimu wapewe nafasi waajiriwe kusikuwe na ile ubaguzi ulikuwa umetokea. Ile ya kisiasa wanasiasa walikua wameingilia kiasi ambayo walikuwa wanaenda wanatoa barua huku wanauza wenyewe. Hio ndio hatutaki. Ndiyo maana tumeambia Teachers Service Commission CEO kusiwe na mambo kama hayo.”

Translating to: “As a union, we insist that teachers be given employment opportunities without any previous bias. Politicians have interfered to the extent that they would collect letters and redistribute them, or even sell them. This is unacceptable, which is why we have instructed the Teachers Service Commission CEO to ensure such practices do not occur.”

Lang’at called on TSC CEO Evaleen Mitei to maintain a transparent and fair recruitment system free from political influence.

Hardship allowances protection

KNUT Kajiado Branch Secretary Elly Korinko stressed the importance of safeguarding hardship allowances and affirmative action policies.

He highlighted the need to reinstate areas where hardship benefits had been removed, warning that any interference could demoralise teachers serving in remote counties.

“We are talking about hardship allowances that should not be touched by the Teachers Service Commission. The hardship areas that were removed must also be reinstated to support our teachers,” Korinko said.

Korinko added that protecting these incentives is essential for ensuring teacher motivation and sustaining service delivery in underserved regions.

The union reiterated that politics should have no place in teacher recruitment or promotions. KNUT emphasised that upholding merit and fairness is key to maintaining professionalism and addressing persistent teacher shortages across the country.