The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has raised an alarm over the plight of more than 150 Kenyan teachers allegedly being held under restrictive conditions in Tanzania.

According to the union, the affected teachers are graduate students from Aga Khan University pursuing master’s programs in Tanzania, but have been “held up” in the neighbouring country with limited communication and freedom.

Speaking during a press briefing, KUPPET officials called on the Kenyan government to intervene urgently, describing the situation as “unfortunate and unacceptable.”

“Nearly 150 teacher graduate students at Aga Khan University who are undergoing master’s programs are held up in Tanzania and held hostage with very limited communication gadgets open to them, and this is very unfortunate,” a union representative stated.

The union further urged the state to act swiftly to ensure the teachers’ safety and secure their return to Kenya.

“We are asking the government to expedite the return of these Kenyans until the situation in Tanzania becomes bearable for our Kenyan colleagues to stay,” the statement added.

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Call for Regional Freedom and Cooperation

KUPPET emphasized the need for freedom of movement and cooperation within the East African Community (EAC), noting that teachers and other professionals should not face intimidation or restrictions while working or studying in member states.

“We are living in a region, and therefore we must have the freedom to stay in the East African region without fear. This kind of anxiety must also be resolved,” the union noted.

The matter now puts pressure on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to clarify the circumstances surrounding the teachers’ situation and to ensure their welfare and safe return home.

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Tanzania President Samia Suluhu. PHOTO/Courtesy.