TSC chairperson Professor Lydia Nzomo [Photo/nation.co.ke]
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has abolished the punishment of demoting teachers. TSC chairperson Lydia Nzomo made the announcement on Monday during the 13th annual primary heads meeting in Mombasa at Sheikh Zayed Children Welfare Centre.
She said that the move lowers self-esteem of head-teachers and demoralizes them.
“Nobody will be reduced from headteacher to classroom tutor. There will be no demotion. How will you address others, walk around knowing you have been downgraded and effectively teach?” she asked.
TSC also said that pressure from opinion leaders and politicians will not be used as a promotion and firing criteria as has been the norm. the body promised to deal with teachers independently.
“No one will influence your sacking. Headteachers should do their job knowing they are protected,” Nzomo said.
Nzomo’s announcement apes what happens in the police force where demotions are rare. She said that it is rare to demote an OCPD back to being a corporal. Nzomo stzted that the change is aimed at professionalizing the teaching fraternity.