In recent TSC recruitment news, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced its plans to address the current shortage of teachers in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) by confirming 26,000 interns into Permanent and Pensionable (PNP) positions and employing an additional 20,000 teachers. This move aims to alleviate the staffing crisis and improve the quality of education in JSS across the country.
The decision was reached during a joint meeting between the TSC and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET). The meeting, which took place at Sawela Lodge in Naivasha, lasted for six days and resulted in various agreements to address the challenges faced by teachers.
According to Milemba Omboko, the National Chairman of KUPPET, the majority of teachers have not been promoted since 2017, leading to stagnation in their careers. However, it was decided that 30,000 teachers who have been waiting for promotion will finally benefit in the coming financial year.
The government has allocated a budget of Sh4 billion for the employment of the 20,000 teachers, who will play a crucial role in addressing the staffing crisis in JSS. The shortage of teachers in these schools has been a pressing issue, with only two teachers per stream currently handling all the learning areas. This situation has negatively impacted the quality of education and the overall learning experience of students.
The TSC and KUPPET also discussed the need to review the Career Progression Guidelines, which have contributed to the stagnation of teachers’ careers. They have agreed to develop new career guidelines through public participation, aiming to provide better opportunities for professional growth and advancement in the teaching profession.
In addition to the recruitment and promotion plans, the government has promised to reevaluate the teacher’s medical cover. The implementation of new Group Life Cover, Group Personal Accident Cover, and Work Injury Benefits insurance will be considered to enhance the medical scheme for teachers. This commitment reflects the government’s recognition of the importance of providing adequate healthcare benefits to teachers.
Furthermore, the TSC and KUPPET have addressed concerns regarding the promotion of teachers who are not on the payroll. An audit revealed that only 14 cases had issues, and appropriate measures have been taken to rectify the situation. The TSC has assured the union that it will address the concerns of teachers who have earned promotions but are not currently receiving the corresponding benefits.
Looking ahead, the TSC has also made a commitment to convert all the 26,000 intern teachers recruited in 2023 to permanent and pensionable terms by January 2025. This move aims to provide job security and stability for these interns, ensuring that they can continue making valuable contributions to the education sector.
It is important to note that these developments in TSC recruitment news are significant steps towards improving the education system in Kenya. By addressing the shortage of teachers and providing opportunities for professional growth, the TSC is striving to create a conducive learning environment for students and empower teachers in their careers.
In conclusion, the TSC’s decision to confirm 26,000 interns into PNP positions and employ an additional 20,000 teachers in JSS is a positive development in the education sector. This move will help alleviate the staffing crisis and improve the quality of education in Junior Secondary Schools across the country. With the government’s commitment to review career guidelines and enhance the medical scheme for teachers, the teaching profession is set to become more attractive and rewarding. These efforts signify a step towards building a stronger education system and ensuring a brighter future for Kenya’s students.
