Aging Unemployed Teachers Protest at TSC Headquarters Over Corruption and Favoritism in Employment.
A group of frustrated teachers gathered at the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) headquarters to protest what they claim to be rampant corruption and favoritism in teacher recruitment.
The educators, some visibly emotional, voiced concerns over unfair employment practices that have left them waiting for jobs despite years of qualification.
One teacher, in an impassioned plea, highlighted the dire situation facing many educators. She lamented that job opportunities were not allocated based on the year of graduation, leaving many aging without employment.
“Look at us; we are growing old. My friend’s hair is turning white, and even mine is,” she said. She explained that with the mandatory retirement age set at 55 years, delayed employment meant shorter careers for many teachers.
“If I’m 44 now and have not even secured an internship, when will I get a job? Even if I get an internship now, it will take two years to secure permanent employment. By then, I’ll be 47, leaving me only eight years to work before retirement,” she added, her voice tinged with despair.
Allegations of Corruption
The protesting teachers accused the recruitment process of being riddled with corruption. One teacher shared an experience of being asked for a bribe to secure a position.
“There was a time when a politician intervened, claiming they could help. But they asked for KSh 100,000 to facilitate the process. How can we afford this?” he questioned.
The group alleged that political influence and financial demands were prevalent in the recruitment process, disadvantaging those who could not afford to pay bribes.
A Call for Intervention
The teachers demanded immediate action from the TSC leadership, appealing for fairness in the employment process. They urged the commission’s leadership to investigate and address the reported irregularities.
“We are here to meet with the leadership because we believe the corruption originates from within the system. We need transparency in how letters are distributed and jobs are allocated,” one protestor stated.
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As the teachers await a response from the TSC, their protest has shone a spotlight on long-standing grievances within Kenya’s teacher recruitment system, sparking widespread debate on the need for reforms.
Aging Unemployed Teachers Protest at TSC Headquarters Over Corruption and Favoritism in Employment.
