The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has called on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to exhibit fairness and consideration during the teacher recruitment process within the country. This comes in light of the backlash over the recent promotion of 25,252 teachers.
Speaking to the press on Saturday, April 19, KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu remarked that the commission should give priority to hiring teachers who finished their college education earlier than newer graduates.
“The commission needs to be fair and humane. The choice of a teacher who graduated from teachers college in 2023 while neglecting those who graduated in 2010 raises more concerns than solutions,” he stated.
“And as a union, we must clearly express that even in the context of employment, fairness is crucial, because there are teachers over 50 years old; where will they go? Since they are still available, they need to be employed,” he further explained.
The Secretary General added that the political sphere should honor the commission’s independence, which he indicated has failed to fulfill its responsibilities, and should avoid interfering with the hiring of teachers in the country. This request follows reports that State House has been involved in swaying the promotion and recruitment of teachers, contrary to the laws that allocate the TSC exclusive authority over the hiring and management of teachers.
“The Teachers Service Commission, to some extent, has relinquished its duty and collaborative role in the employment of teachers,” he noted.
“We cannot oppose the President’s executive authority to hire teachers, but the manner in which certain politicians distribute these positions raises questions; yes, assistance is welcome, but it must be fair,” he articulated.
Oyuu’s remarks come just days after the union also demanded the swift release of the Ksh64 billion in accrued capitation funds to assist the already ailing education sector.
KNUT emphasized that the holdup of these funds has severely hindered school heads from operating and managing schools effectively.
On Monday, March 3, Oyuu observed that the delay is primarily why some school administrators are choosing to send students home even before the official end of term.
“Why should there be a delay in capitation? How do you expect heads of institutions to manage schools? Because you cannot rely on your own funds to manage schools. When we hear of heads of institutions and principals having to send students home early or for an extended period, we understand the reasons,” he remarked.
“It is perilous to keep learners in schools without capitation. And for those heads who are astute enough to steer clear of strikes in schools, I believe they are doing their utmost,” he concluded.