Teachers have challenged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to clarify its new directive on social media use, warning against what they view as a blanket restriction on their digital activity.
The commission, in a circular dated August 13, warned teachers against cyberbullying, harassment, offensive content and other forms of unprofessional conduct online.
It said professional standards and the Teachers Code of Conduct and Ethics apply equally to teachers’ activities on social media.
But KNUT wants the commission to draw a clear line between legitimate social media use and misconduct.
KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu said the directive should target misuse of digital platforms rather than teachers’ presence online, arguing that teachers increasingly use Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, X and WhatsApp for teaching, professional engagement and other legitimate activities.
Oyuu said teachers, as professionals and opinion shapers, should use social media responsibly but urged TSC to be precise about the conduct it considers unacceptable.
The union’s first vice-national chairperson, Malel Langat, described the digital space as a grey area, arguing that the directive could undermine teachers’ rights if interpreted as a blanket gag.
TSC acting Chief Executive Officer Evaleen Mitei, however, maintained that teachers must uphold professional standards both offline and online.
She warned that those found engaging in cyberbullying or other forms of unprofessional conduct would face disciplinary action under the TSC Act, the Code of Regulations for Teachers and other applicable laws.
