KUPPET Condemns TSC’s Social Media Directive, Calls It Micromanagement

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has strongly opposed the Teachers Service Commission’s (TSC) new guidelines regulating teachers’ social media usage, describing the move as undue micromanagement of professionals.

Speaking at the KUPPET Western Region elections in Kakamega, National Chairman Omboko Milemba emphasized that teachers should be trusted to exercise professional judgment when engaging online. He argued that their conduct should be guided by professionalism rather than restrictive rules.

Key points from Milemba’s remarks include:

• Opposition to excessive censorship of teachers’ online activities.
• Advocacy for responsible use of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence.
• Call for respect of teachers’ autonomy in managing their social media presence.

The TSC’s directive aims to prevent online behavior that could damage the reputation of the teaching profession or interfere with educators’ responsibilities. However, KUPPET’s leadership insists that such measures undermine trust in teachers’ ability to self-regulate.

In addition to addressing social media concerns, Milemba praised the peaceful and democratic conduct of the Western Region KUPPET elections and encouraged stronger collaboration with education stakeholders like the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA).

He also reaffirmed the union’s commitment to advocating for fair teacher employment practices nationwide, including proper deployment of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers and full implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), particularly regarding outstanding payments.

Milemba noted ongoing engagement with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to resolve salary disparities affecting teachers, mentioning a petition prepared by KUPPET to address these issues.