The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) plans to replace over 10,000 teachers exiting its payroll by December 2024 due to mandatory retirement. While some of the retirees are school administrators, the majority are classroom teachers, creating significant vacancies.
Despite the urgent need for replacements, TSC is under scrutiny following last year’s controversial recruitment exercise. Teachers protested after the Commission failed to publicly advertise vacancies for 6,000 replacement slots funded by a Ksh 2.5 billion allocation from the Treasury in September 2023.
Politicians Allegedly Interfere in Recruitment
Instead of a transparent process, TSC reportedly allocated these positions to politicians and Members of Parliament (MPs), leading to widespread corruption. Some job seekers allegedly paid up to Ksh 400,000 to secure positions, sidelining merit in favor of cronyism. This move was seen as part of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s strategy to reward loyal politicians.
The process also bypassed the mandatory internship requirement for new hires. Ezekiel Machogu, then Cabinet Secretary for Education, played a key role, openly issuing employment letters during a public function in Kisii County. This raised eyebrows, fueling protests from Gen Z youth who criticized the government for poor governance.
The backlash contributed to President William Ruto’s decision to dismiss his Cabinet, including CS Machogu.
Teacher Internship Program Explained
Under TSC regulations, new teachers must undergo a one-year internship before transitioning to permanent and pensionable terms. The Teacher Internship Programme aims to equip unemployed registered teachers with practical experience, mentorship, and coaching.
Intern teachers attached to junior secondary schools receive a monthly stipend of Ksh 20,000, subject to statutory deductions such as NHIF, Housing Levy, and NSSF. Successful interns are awarded certificates upon completing the program.
Currently, over 46,000 teachers serve on internship terms, with confirmation to permanent positions expected in January 2025. Additionally, TSC is recruiting 20,000 teachers on internship terms for junior secondary schools, with deployments set for January 2024.
Calls for Transparent Recruitment
As TSC prepares for replacements, many are calling for reforms to ensure transparency and fairness in the recruitment process. Critics argue that backdoor hiring practices compromise education quality and undermine the integrity of the Commission.
The Commission’s next moves will likely determine whether public trust in TSC can be restored.
