School Reopening: TSC Raises Alarm on Deficit of 103K Teachers

A teacher and students inside a classroom at Kawangware Primary School, Nairobi, on October 5, 2015.
A teacher and students inside a classroom at Kawangware Primary School, Nairobi, on October 5, 2015.
File

The Teachers Service Commission on Thursday, October 1 raised an alarm over the shortage of 103,481 teachers ahead of an imminent reopening of schools.

Speaking during a virtual meeting, TSC boss Nancy Macharia revealed that the service is facing a deficit of teachers despite announcing a recruitment of 11,574 teachers in a mass exercise.

The TSC CEO added that an addition 20,000 teachers were needed to implement the 100% transition policy.

Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO Nancy Macharia addresses National Assembly's education committee on February 19, 2020.
Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO Nancy Macharia addresses National Assembly's education committee on February 19, 2020.
Daily Nation

"We have always asked for 20,000 teachers and if we do it consecutively that we would actually close that gap," noted Macharia.

TSC is also exploring ways to engage the national government to allocate Ksh. 2.5 Billion that has been scarce to effect the 100% transition.

Macharia discouraged the use of the term 'delocalisation' of teachers and asked for feedback on how best to effect the transfer of tutors.

"We discourage the use of delocalization of teachers because it is simply a transfer, we ensure that teachers do not teach in one station.

"We are trying to give it a human face and if we are still doing it wrong, we need your feedback because nothing is cast on stone. We are trying to ensure learners get the best education," added Macharia.

On Tuesday, September 1 TSC announced 5,000 vacancies in public primary and secondary schools to support the 100% transition.

The commission also advertised 5,474 vacancies for primary and 1,100 vacancies for Secondary Schools to replace teachers who exited the service.

TSC reviewed the timeline for the recruitment of teachers, revealing that new teachers will report to schools on Monday, January 4, 2021.

The Ministry of Education is however yet to announce a date for the reopening of schools despite teachers reporting back to schools on Monday September 28. 

Education CS George Magoha visiting a school in 2019.
Education CS George Magoha visiting a school in 2019.
The Standard