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{
    "id": 772095,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/772095/?format=api",
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    "content": "Someone’s world view is different from the rest of the place one comes from yet they are supposed to be a leader. I think that is a serious challenge. The other issue that is affecting teacher distribution is promotions. If you look at how the TSC is promoting teachers, they actually allocate a certain number of slots for certain disciplines, for example the arts or sciences. So, you find that the competition is extremely high. That in itself advantages other people against others because certain stations would give you certain conveniences that would occasion you to be promoted higher than the others. These are some of the issues that are really creating a lot of disgruntlement amongst teachers. It is important that this comes out in the report. However, the TSC generally requires reforms. It is also important to mention at this point in time that we need to depoliticize our trade unions. Personally I fully support the directive by the Minister for EAC, Labour and Social Protection that state officers cannot be trade unionists at the same time. This is because the moment you do so, you make the engagement with the state or Government to be political rather than a question of the teachers’ welfare. It is important to ensure that the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers (KUPPET) and other unions are seen to be neutral and that they do not represent a certain political view. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, there are many issues to be canvassed. I also want to postulate that there is no way the Senate can exist without a Committee on Implementation. Not necessarily that these committees end up doing some exemplary job really. I would actually even want to advice Members that if they have any matter, it is more productive for them to pursue it individually as that yields more returns in terms of pushing their agenda forward. However, it is important to have a situation where we can audit whatever resolutions that we make on the floor of the House and also see how they are actually implemented. If you see how we draft out Motions, we keep on saying that, “We are urging the government.” We need to ensure that our Motions are properly implemented and our Petitions achieve their objective rather than just being a report that is returned to the petitioner on behalf of the people that he or she is presenting the petitions for. There is also the issue of establishment of a select committee. It is a good idea but we also need to ask, “Can this also be done as part of the work of the Committee on Education? Can we also be more imaginative in terms of what we would want to achieve with this report or is it just to highlight the disparities in terms of the distribution of this very important human resource within our education system? Those are some of the things that need to be very clear ab initio in terms of the reference of this ad hoc committee, as of when we resolve to establish. This is a very timely Motion that speaks to the Sustainable Development Goals because education is key. In fact, if you look at the human development, index one of the key indicators for such is education. That cannot be properly provided for if we do not have teachers who are qualified, have right pedagogical skills and are committed to working for their country and educating each and every child no matter what location they may find themselves within this distinguished country. With those few remarks, I support this Motion. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes"
}