KNUT Questions TSC Teacher Recruitment Process as State House Influence Surfaces.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has called on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to uphold fairness and empathy in its teacher recruitment process. This comes in the wake of widespread discontent following the recent promotion of 25,000 teachers.
During a press briefing held on Saturday, April 19, KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu emphasized that the commission should give priority to teachers who completed their training earlier, rather than favoring recent graduates. He noted that it was questionable to consider a teacher who graduated in 2023 while sidelining one who finished in 2010.
Oyuu further pointed out that fairness was essential in employment, stressing that many qualified teachers above the age of 50 were still jobless. He questioned where these experienced professionals were expected to go if the current approach continued, reiterating the need for their inclusion in employment opportunities.
The Secretary General also criticized the involvement of political actors in the recruitment process, urging them to respect the independence of the commission. He observed that TSC had, to some extent, failed in fully executing its employment mandate, a situation worsened by political interference.
He acknowledged the President’s executive authority in hiring teachers but expressed concern about how politicians were distributing recruitment forms. According to him, while political support may be acceptable, it must be applied in a fair and transparent manner.
These remarks followed revelations that the State House had been influencing both teacher recruitment and promotions, in violation of legal provisions granting TSC exclusive authority over such matters.
Capitation Delays Disrupting School Operations
Oyuu’s statements came just days after KNUT demanded the immediate disbursement of Ksh64 billion in delayed capitation funds, which are crucial for the functioning of schools across the country. The union highlighted that these delays have hindered school heads from managing institutions effectively.
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In a separate address on Monday, March 3, Oyuu linked the delay in funding to the premature sending home of students by some school heads. He explained that without capitation, it was unreasonable to expect school principals to operate schools using personal funds.
He warned of the risks of retaining students in school without financial support and praised school heads who, in trying to prevent unrest, were doing their best to keep schools running despite the financial constraints.
KNUT Questions TSC Teacher Recruitment Process as State House Influence Surfaces.
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