KNUT wants TSC to Stop Relying on KCSE Grades to Hire Teachers

KNUT wants TSC to Stop Relying on KCSE Grades to Hire Teachers.

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) is mounting pressure on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to prioritise the highest academic qualification attained by aspiring teachers rather than their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) grades during recruitment.

According to Knut Secretary General Collins Oyuu, a teacher’s academic journey should not be disregarded simply because of their secondary school performance.

Oyuu argued that individuals with lower KCSE grades, such as a D, but who have progressed academically up to the level of a master’s degree, deserve recognition and employment opportunities. He challenged the rationale behind TSC’s insistence on the KCSE grade, particularly the requirement of a C plain for diploma-level teacher recruitment.

The union leader cited a university professor who currently teaches Kiswahili and Religious Education as an example. This professor had scored a C- in high school but advanced his education through Kampala International University, later studied at Kenyatta University, and even undertook online studies with an American university. Oyuu emphasised that such progression proves capability and commitment, and urged TSC to assess applicants based on their latest academic achievements.

He further questioned TSC’s rejection of teachers with degrees who initially had a C plain in KCSE, despite the Commission having acknowledged a nationwide teacher shortage, especially in the Basic Education sector. He believed that such rejection was unjustified considering the effort these individuals invested in academic advancement.

Oyuu noted that many university lecturers began with modest grades, such as D+, but are now accomplished scholars. He stated that TSC should acknowledge the potential and growth of individuals rather than disqualify them based on grades obtained in a challenging or disadvantaged school environment. According to him, many would have excelled with better opportunities in top-performing schools.

He maintained that what matters is the final academic qualification and the competency of the teacher, not the circumstances under which a low KCSE grade was earned. Oyuu highlighted that TSC does not take into account the challenges students may have faced during their secondary school years, which could have influenced their performance.

The Knut boss pointed out that the existing teacher shortage has resulted in unmanageable class sizes, with some teachers handling over 100 learners per class. This, he said, goes against the UNESCO-recommended teacher-to-learner ratio of 1 to 45. He called on President William Ruto to intervene and help close the teacher gap in schools.

He said, “We are appealing to the Head of State Dr William Ruto to bridge the gap. The situation on the ground is dire, and learners are suffering.”

Turning to the internal relations within schools, Oyuu urged Junior Secondary School (JS) teachers, who are stationed in primary institutions, to work harmoniously with their colleagues. He reminded them that all teachers, regardless of their assignment, are equal professionals.

He stated, “We are telling our young men and women teaching in JS, which is domiciled in primary schools, that a teacher is a teacher. Do not think that another teacher is inferior.”

He encouraged cooperation with the Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association and noted that headteachers, who previously oversaw Classes One to Eight, now manage both primary and junior secondary levels. As such, he suggested they deserve revised remuneration to reflect the additional responsibilities brought about by the Competency-Based Curriculum reforms.

Read Also: KNEC Issues Final Deadline for Grade 9 KJSEA Nominal Rolls; What Schools Must Submit

Oyuu advised teachers to respect their school heads, who now juggle administrative and financial duties under the new system. He appealed to TSC to actively engage teachers and heads of institutions during policy and management discussions and recommended that Knut be involved in teacher induction processes.

He remarked, “Please work well with our head teachers. They manage both teachers and finances. TSC should talk to our teachers and the heads of our schools’ management. When you have inductions, invite Knut.”

Follow Teachers Updates on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram. Get in touch with our editors at [email protected].