In a spirited sitting in the Parliament Chamber today, Wednesday, February 18, 2025, lawmakers debated a landmark proposal to reform how teachers are compensated and treated in acting roles nationwide.
The discussion followed a post published earlier today on Parliament’s official Facebook page on the content of the proceedings.
The Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is sponsored by Mandera South MP Hon. Abdul Haro and has drawn broad support from Members of Parliament, who say it could significantly improve morale and professionalism within the teaching service.
Moving the Bill for Second Reading, Haro told the House, “We have teachers who act as deputy head teachers or principals for years without being confirmed or compensated.
This Bill seeks to formalise and entrench fairness in acting appointments so that teachers serving in such capacities are duly recognised and remunerated.”
He pointed out that the amendments are designed to bring “fairness, predictability, and certainty” to the management of teachers’ allowances, addressing what he described as a long-standing gap in administrative practice.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Teachers Service Commission Act No. 20 of 2012. It outlines specific allowances payable to teachers, including House, commuter, hardship, special duty, responsibility, special school, reader’s facilitation, leave, and transfer allowances. Importantly, it proposes that acting appointments be limited to between one and six months, after which the position must be substantively filled.
Seconding the Bill, nominated MP Hon. Dorothy Ikara described the proposal as a “shield for teachers against administrative injustices.” She underscored the emotional toll prolonged acting roles have taken on educators.
Teachers have endured anxiety and frustration when serving in acting capacities for years without confirmation. This Bill introduces fairness and structure, ensuring no teacher is left in limbo. Acting teachers must be paid acting allowances; this should not be left to the discretion of the Commission,” she emphasised.
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Ikara further linked the proposed reforms to constitutional principles, stating, “Teachers are not asking for favours; they are asking for fairness. Supporting this Bill means supporting the very foundation of our education system and the future of our children.”
She noted that the amendments align with Article 41 on fair labour practices and Article 237, which establishes the Teachers Service Commission.
Adding his voice to the debate, Baringo North MP Hon. Joshua Makilap said the changes would restore dignity and authority to school leaders serving in acting positions.
“When a teacher is appointed to act but receives no allowance or recognition, it erodes their authority and morale. This Bill seeks to dignify the teaching profession by ensuring that acting administrators enjoy the privileges that come with their responsibilities,” Makilap observed.
Lawmakers also welcomed provisions requiring mandatory consultation between the Teachers Service Commission and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) on remuneration structures, saying the measure would promote transparency and accountability.
Robert Basil strongly supported the reforms, arguing that improved compensation structures would boost morale, stabilise school leadership, and ultimately enhance learning outcomes nationwide.
With debate set to continue next week, today’s proceedings signalled growing parliamentary consensus that teachers—often described as the backbone of the education system—deserve clearer structures, timely confirmation in acting roles, and guaranteed remuneration for additional responsibilities.
By Joseph Mambili
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