TSC to Replace 6,000 Teachers
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) plans to advertise 6,000 replacement slots to fill vacancies left by teachers who have exited the service due to natural attrition.
This announcement was made during the 64th Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) held at Sheikh Zayed Hall in Mombasa. The replacement process will adhere to TSC’s Code of Regulations.
By the end of December, over 10,000 teachers will leave the TSC payroll upon reaching the mandatory retirement age. Among those retiring, a significant number are classroom teachers, while others hold administrative roles.
The announcement has sparked interest as stakeholders await to see how the Commission will conduct next year’s replacement exercise. Concerns stem from last year’s flawed recruitment process, which was marked by controversy and complaints.
Previous Replacement Challenges
In September 2023, TSC received Ksh 2.5 billion from the Treasury to facilitate the recruitment of 6,000 teachers through replacement.
However, the process lacked transparency. The vacancies were not publicly advertised, and instead, they were allegedly allocated to politicians and Members of Parliament (MPs) to fill within their constituencies.
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Reports emerged that some teachers paid up to Ksh 400,000 to secure employment. Allegations of favoritism, corruption, and cronyism marred the process, raising questions about fairness and merit.
Observers viewed this as an attempt by the Kenya Kwanza government to reward political allies supporting its agenda.
The teacher recruitment process was reportedly influenced by political figures, including Ezekiel Machogu, the then Cabinet Secretary for Education.
Machogu was seen publicly issuing employment letters to teachers in Kisii County, while another politician, Sylvanus Osoro, was found in possession of numerous employment letters at his residence.
These actions led to protests by the youth, popularly known as Gen Z, over governance failures. The protests prompted the dismissal of several cabinet members, including Machogu, by the President.
Internship Programme
TSC has emphasized that teachers must complete a one-year internship program before being considered for permanent and pensionable (PnP) employment.
This program is designed to enhance the skills and competencies of unemployed, registered teachers by providing mentorship, coaching, and practical teaching experience.
Key Details of the Internship Programme:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 months |
| Eligibility | Unemployed registered teachers |
| Monthly Stipend | Ksh 20,000 (for Junior Secondary) |
| Deductions | NHIF, Housing Levy, NSSF (where applicable) |
| Certification | Awarded after successful completion |
Although the internship officially lasts 12 months, many current interns have been serving for two years. The program is not considered remunerative, and interns receive stipends instead of salaries.
Last month, TSC recruited 20,000 teachers on internship terms for junior secondary schools. These teachers are set to report to their respective schools in January.
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Additionally, 46,000 teachers currently serving under internship terms will be confirmed to permanent and pensionable terms starting January 2025.
The upcoming recruitment exercise is expected to shed light on whether TSC will adopt a more transparent process, addressing concerns raised in the past year.
TSC to Replace 6,000 Teachers
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