TSC Reports Critical Shortage of Science Teachers in Kenya.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has raised concerns about a significant shortage of science teachers in the country. Despite a pool of over 400,000 unemployed teachers, TSC is finding it difficult to hire educators for science subjects.
While speaking before the National Assembly education committee, TSC CEO Nancy Macharia pointed out that many schools, particularly junior secondary schools (JSS), lack sufficient science teachers.
She revealed that applications for these teaching positions are scarce, contributing to the staffing problem.
Macharia noted that most teachers are specialized in arts rather than science. She emphasized that data from the TSC would soon clarify the percentage of teachers in each discipline, though it is already clear that arts teachers are the majority.
“What stands out is the problem of science teachers. Based on our data, we will be able to determine the percentage of arts versus science teachers. However, it is clear that the majority are in the arts,” Macharia explained.
Challenges in Recruitment
Macharia admitted that the commission faces a crisis in staffing, especially for science subjects like Physics.
She mentioned that despite advertising for such positions, there are very few applicants.
The TSC has plans to recruit and redistribute teachers across counties to address the shortage, but science subjects remain difficult to staff.
“We have communicated with the education ministry and have reached out to our schools multiple times regarding the lack of science teachers. Action needs to be taken,” she stated.
The committee, chaired by Julius Melly, voiced concerns about how the shortage affects students. Kasipul Kabondo MP Eve Obara pointed out that some arts teachers are being asked to teach science, but they often just read from textbooks without proper understanding.
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Obara questioned whether this approach was fair to students and whether it was helping them learn effectively.
Marakwet West MP Timothy Toroitich inquired about the extent of the science teacher shortage. He asked Macharia what percentage of the 400,000 unemployed teachers specialized in science subjects.
TSC Reports Critical Shortage of Science Teachers in Kenya.
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