MP Questions TSC Over Unfair Distribution of Teacher Slots.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is once again facing scrutiny from legislators regarding its teacher recruitment policies.
The long-standing issue of allocating slots to sub-counties for teacher recruitment remains a pressing concern for both aspiring teachers seeking public service positions and Members of Parliament advocating for more educators in their respective constituencies.
Tharaka MP George Murugara revisited this matter in the National Assembly, questioning the fairness of the allocation process.
Addressing Parliament on Wednesday, February 26, he criticized what he perceived as an inequitable system that has left certain regions disadvantaged in the ongoing recruitment exercise conducted by TSC.
Murugara specifically inquired about the allocation of seven slots to Tharaka North Sub-County and forty-two slots to Tharaka South Sub-County, despite both areas being within Tharaka Constituency.
He demanded an explanation for this distribution, seeking clarity on the criteria used in assigning the available teaching positions.
“Can the Commission also elaborate on the criterion used to allocate Tharaka North Sub-County and Tharaka South Sub-County seven (7) and forty-two (42) slots, respectively, despite the two (2) Sub-Counties being within Tharaka Constituency?” asked Murugara.
Details of the Recruitment Exercise
In December 2024, TSC announced the recruitment of 8,707 teachers under permanent and pensionable terms. The vacancies included 5,862 positions in primary schools, 21 in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS), and 2,824 in secondary schools.
The MP raised concerns about applicants being turned away from the recruitment process nationwide, highlighting what he described as discriminatory and unlawful actions by the Commission.
He emphasized the need for measures to prevent the exclusion of qualified candidates from the ongoing hiring process.
Speaker’s Directive and TSC’s Response
Following these concerns, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula directed the Departmental Committee on Education to address the issue.
This is not the first time TSC has faced such scrutiny. In a previous instance in 2023, the Commission defended its approach, asserting its commitment to a merit-based and transparent recruitment process.
TSC explained that its selection process involves stringent criteria, emphasizing local residency, cultural background, and stakeholder engagement. The allocation of teaching slots is determined primarily by the number of Grade 7 classes in each county and sub-county.
This system is designed to ensure that every class has at least one teacher, thereby promoting the fair distribution of educational resources.
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The Commission further stated that priority is given to applicants residing within the specific sub-county or county, facilitating smoother integration into the local community.
By prioritizing local teachers, TSC aims to foster stronger school-community relationships, increase parental involvement, and enhance support for educational programs.
While the debate over teacher allocation continues, stakeholders are awaiting further clarification and potential reforms to ensure an equitable recruitment process.
MP Questions TSC Over Unfair Distribution of Teacher Slots.
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