Author: Hezron Rooy

Employ JSS Teachers with Funds Allocated for MPs Salary Increase — Governor Kilonzo Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo has proposed that the resources earmarked for MPs’ salary increments should be redirected towards more pressing needs, such as employing Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers. He argued that this would be a more beneficial use of funds, especially in light of the current economic challenges. “If there’s extra resources, we should then check whether we can hire JSS teachers or do something else because then people are just going to hit these people for no reason,” Kilonzo suggested. Speaking in a recent address,…

KNEC Advertises Training for KCSE Examiners: How to Apply The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is inviting dedicated and qualified teachers to apply for training as KCSE examiners. The training session for potential examiners will be held from August 18th to 24th, 2024. KNEC will conduct the training for KCSE examiners between 18th and 24th August 2024. The training fee is Ksh10,500, which will be paid by shortlisted applicants who will receive instructions via SMS and the portal. The training will be strictly residential, and the venue will be communicated to those who qualify. Post-training, KNEC will engage examiners based…

TSC Replaces Retiring County Directors: New Replacements The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has made changes to replace some retiring county directors across the country, according to Education News. Several key directors have been affected, including James Okong’o from Wajir County and Francis Rotino Lotam from West Pokot. In Wajir, TSC appointed Ali Yusuff Ahmed, the current deputy, as the interim replacement. Ali has been serving as both Deputy Director (DD) to Okong’o and Sub-County Director (SCD) for Wajir Central. In West Pokot, Lotam’s deputy, Joseph Musyoka, has been named as the temporary replacement. Join TEACHERS UPDATES WhatsApp Channel Musyoka was…

CEMASTEA Hosts STEM Education Symposium for Teachers The Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) recently organized a symposium for Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) and Secondary Schools science and mathematics teachers from four counties. The aim was to share best classroom practices and enhance the quality of education. The event, held at CEMASTEA’s centre in Karen, gathered around 32 teachers from Machakos, Kajiado, Kiambu, and Nairobi counties. The focus was on learner-centered strategies to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education as the country transitions to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). CBC and STEM Pathways Under the…

Schools Selected to Pilot Digital Literacy Project for CBC Coding and Robotics Ten schools in Lodwar town have been selected to pilot the Digital Literacy Project. This initiative aims to introduce young learners to creative coding and robotics, aligning with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The eight-month pilot, funded by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and implemented by the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC) and M-Lugha Foundation, will set up ICT clubs. Learners in Grades 4-8 will be guided to use “Scratch,” a tool endorsed by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development. “In the education stakeholders’ trilogy of digital devices, teachers, and…

TSC Begins Replacement of Retiring School Head Teachers in Central Region The Teachers Service Commission has initiated the replacement of retiring primary and secondary school head teachers in the Central region. By 30th June 2024, several heads across Laikipia, Nyeri, Murang’a, and Kirinyaga counties retired, prompting the employer to arrange for their successors. In Murang’a County, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has appointed new principals for key institutions. Margaret Mutaga from Ng’araria Girls High School replaces Esther Kariuki as the principal of Ruchu Girls High School in Kandara. Join TEACHERS UPDATES WhatsApp Channel Meanwhile, Peter Gitu, previously at Delmonte Secondary…

New Principal Appointed at Vihiga Boys High School Albert Masiolo, previously the Principal of Kolanya Boys High School in Busia County, has assumed the role of Principal at Vihiga Boys High School, succeeding Daniel Mwachi upon his retirement. Masiolo brings a wealth of experience in both academics and sports, which is expected to elevate Vihiga High School’s standing on a national level. His tenure at Kolanya Boys High School was marked by notable academic achievements. Join TEACHERS UPDATES WhatsApp Channel Prior to his assignment at Kolanya, Masiolo served as Principal at Senende Boys High School before being transferred by the…

KNUT to Defend Sacked JSS Teachers, Criticizes Denominational Interference in Teacher Postings The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Masaba North Sub-branch has committed to always defending Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers disciplined by their employer for participating in a strike. Masaba North Sub-county Executive Secretary, Joseph Arasa, stated that the union would plead with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to consider reinstating some JSS teachers who violated the regulations. “Almost all of them downed their tools but those who were remorseful are back enjoying their work but the obstinate ones are now crying for help,” he said. The secretary…

Concerns Over Grade Nine Preparedness: Current Infrastructure and Teacher Shortage Education stakeholders are grappling with the pressing question of whether six months is sufficient time to establish necessary infrastructure for Grade Nine students. The government faces the dual challenge of constructing classrooms and laboratories and addressing a severe teacher shortage for junior secondary school (JSS) learners. Introduced last year, JSS includes Grades Seven, Eight, and Nine. There is growing concern about the lack of readiness for the first cohort of students under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) expected to finish JSS next year. Stakeholders’ Views Moses Nthurima, acting Secretary-General of the…

TSC Warns Teachers of Fake Recruitment Advert Circulating Online The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has identified a fake advert that falsely invites applications for hiring primary and junior secondary intern teachers. The advert falsely claims that TSC aims to hire 20,000 intern teachers: 18,000 for junior secondary schools and 2,000 for primary schools to support the competency-based curriculum. Additionally, the letter erroneously invites 26,000 senior teachers to apply for permanent and pensionable positions effective July 15. Hiring Plans in Limbo Despite the fake news, the government has admitted that plans to hire 46,000 junior secondary school (JSS) intern teachers are…