MP Raises Concerns Over Teacher Slot Allocation by TSC
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is once again under scrutiny from legislators over its recruitment practices, particularly regarding how teacher slots are distributed across sub-counties.
For years, the process of allocating teaching positions has sparked frustration among both aspiring teachers and Members of Parliament, who are pushing for more teaching positions within their respective constituencies.
On February 26, Tharaka MP George Murugara brought the matter to the floor of the National Assembly, questioning the fairness of TSC’s ongoing recruitment process. The MP expressed concerns about how certain regions have been left with fewer teaching slots, disadvantaging them in the current recruitment drive.
In December 2024, the TSC announced plans to hire 8,707 teachers on permanent and pensionable contracts. The recruitment included 5,862 vacancies for primary schools, 21 positions in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS), and 2,824 roles for secondary schools.
Murugara raised a specific issue regarding Tharaka North and Tharaka South Sub-Counties, which, despite being part of Tharaka Constituency, were allocated just 7 and 42 slots, respectively. He asked, “Can the Commission elaborate on the criteria used for such an allocation, especially when both sub-counties are within the same constituency?”
The MP criticized the TSC for what he described as an “unfair, discriminatory, and possibly illegal” process, calling for immediate clarification on how the recruitment system was excluding applicants from certain areas. He urged the Commission to take corrective measures to ensure no qualified applicants were left out of the recruitment exercise.
In response, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula directed the Departmental Committee on Education to further investigate the issue.
In a similar debate in 2023, the TSC defended its approach, emphasizing its commitment to a transparent and merit-based recruitment process. According to TSC, the selection criteria are focused on factors like the local residence of applicants, cultural background, and consultation with relevant stakeholders.
The Commission explained that the allocation of teacher slots is based on the number of Grade 7 classes in each sub-county, with the goal of ensuring that every class is staffed with at least one teacher. This approach aims to promote an equitable distribution of educational resources.
Additionally, TSC highlighted that priority is given to applicants who reside within the same sub-county or county. This ensures a smoother integration of teachers into the community, thereby fostering stronger relationships between schools and their local communities, which, in turn, supports parental involvement and educational initiatives
