The Teachers Service Commission (TSC), led by its Chief Executive Officer, Nancy Macharia, has been given seven days to explain the promotion of over 25,000 teachers.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Education on Tuesday morning, Macharia and other senior TSC officials were at pains to explain the criteria used in promoting thousands of teachers across the country.
During the grilling session at the Bunge Towers, the lawmakers, led by Tinderet Member of Parliament Julius Melly, demanded to know why most teachers were stuck in the same job grade for years with no clear career progression.
The legislator also questioned why most regions received almost the same number of promotions despite varying teacher performances and staffing needs.
"We asked you why you promoted others and left others who have been going for interviews three, four and five times, you have not responded to that," Melly stated.
"Up to now, we have yet to discuss the issues that we raised, because most of the issues we raised, we have been trying to check the documents you submitted, but we are not getting them," he added.
While criticising TSC for laxity in carrying out its mandate, the Committee members also accused the Commission of unfair practices and immense disregard for principles of equity.
To address the matter, the Committee directed TSC bosses to come up with a comprehensive record detailing the criteria used in the promotions and explain the disparities that emerged during the process.
The Committee members gave the Commission seven days to complete the task and submit the documents to the clerk, with the MPs warning of dire consequences.
"You need to know that this Committee has equal powers to the High Court. I want to give you a final shot before this Committee cites contempt against you," Melly warned.
He went ahead to add: "As the Committee, we are giving you just one week, and if you wish to appear in camera, you can write. The most important thing is fairness and justice for the teachers of this country."
TSC has been on the receiving end since announcing the promotions in April this year, with education stakeholders, including teachers' unions, accusing the Commission of bias in the process.
The promotions were carried out in two phases, beginning with 5690 teachers who served in acting capacities as head teachers and deputy head teachers, followed by 19943 in the second phase.
Addressing the press on April 2, moments after announcing the promotions, Nancy Macharia reiterated that the promotions were meant to address the long-standing stagnation in the teaching career.
