Sossion assures MPs union past won’t affect TSC independence
Sossion was responding to concerns over his previous role as a leading critic of the TSC during his tenure at KNUT, where he pushed for better pay, improved working conditions and reforms in the teaching service.
Former KNUT secretary-general Wilson Sossion assured MPs on Thursday that his experience as a teachers' union leader would not hinder his ability to serve independently as a member of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). Sossion appeared before the National Assembly Education Committee for vetting, explaining that his role at TSC would shift from advocating for teachers to implementing policies and decisions made by the commission.
He emphasized his commitment to defending the commission and ensuring constructive engagement with social partners.
Sossion defended his past criticisms of the TSC, stating that his efforts were aimed at strengthening the teaching profession and ensuring the employer has the resources needed to serve teachers effectively. He highlighted successes from his tenure at KNUT, such as securing Sh2.4 billion and an additional Sh1.4 billion for annual teacher recruitment. Sossion also emphasized that his approach would not be confrontational, noting that there was no inherent conflict between the commission and teachers.
The nominee cited examples of union leaders transitioning successfully into government positions, such as former KMPDU secretary-general Ouma Oluga, who later became a Principal Secretary. Sossion argued that such transitions demonstrated that trade unionists could bring valuable professional and policy experience into government institutions.
Sossion also prioritized addressing the issue of delayed pension payments for retired teachers, pledging to push for faster processing and payment of pensions. He backed proposals to transition public servants automatically to the pension payroll upon leaving government service, emphasizing the importance of promptly paying retirees their benefits.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
