Tribalism and Political Interference rocks TSC Teachers’ Recruitment.
During the second day of document verification for the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) recruitment of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers, incidents of tribalism and political interference were reported across various regions in the country.
A notable instance occurred when union officials and a Member of Parliament’s staff attempted to exclude non-locals from participating in the verification exercise.
These occurrences were witnessed in several sub-counties in the Western and Central regions.
TSC field officers, however, intervened on multiple occasions, informing union officials that the commission operates as an equal opportunity organization and does not tolerate unfair practices.
In some cases, sub-county directors had to explain the recruitment procedures and formula to politicians, highlighting how the process was being conducted.
Delays and Working Conditions
Due to stoppages caused by dispute resolution mechanisms, the verification exercises extended into late hours, with some continuing until 6:30 pm.
The recruitment teams, consisting of Sub-County Directors (SCDs), human resource officers, and curriculum support officers, worked tirelessly to ensure accuracy.
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In one center in Nyanza, the staff endured the entire day without a tea break, lunch, or even water for hydration.
This situation persisted despite previous complaints from SCDs regarding unrealistic deadlines. They were expected to recruit 46,000 teachers without any provisions for necessary resources such as stationery, meals, or transportation.
The recruitment process saw a large turnout of job seekers, despite the fact that priority was being given to serving interns in both primary and JSS schools.
This led to chaotic scenes in some counties, with stampedes occurring, forcing law enforcement officers to intervene and restore order.
Unusual Incidents
In Western Kenya, Education News reported that a group of teachers inadvertently made noise near a court where a session was in progress.
As a result, they were briefly detained in court cells. The intervention of the local Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) office helped secure their release, allowing them to participate in the verification exercise.
In Nandi County, young teachers were surprised when an elderly applicant arrived for verification, equipped with all necessary documents. The sight of the senior citizen disturbed the younger candidates.
The recruitment process began on October 11, 2024, and is set to conclude today, October 17, 2024.
ALSO READ: JSS Teachers Meets TSC Over Confirmation: Issues Adressed
On October 15, 2024, SCDs summoned shortlisted candidates to their respective recruitment venues to fill employment forms.
Today, the officers are expected to draft Letters of Offer of Employment for the successful candidates, sign them, and dispatch them to the respective schools by tomorrow.
Tribalism and Political Interference rocks TSC Teachers’ Recruitment.
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