The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has halted the recruitment of primary school teachers, explaining that the transition from the 8-4-4 system has left a surplus at the lower levels, even as acute staffing shortages persist in Junior and Senior Schools.
Appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education, Acting TSC CEO Evelyn Mitei told MPs that while demand for teachers in primary schools has dropped, the transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum has created urgent gaps in upper levels that require urgent staffing, forcing the Commission to redirect its hiring priorities.
“With the transition of learners to Junior Secondary, there is reduced demand at the primary level, but new pathways in upper levels require additional teachers,” Mitei said.
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To address the imbalance, TSC plans to recruit 16,000 teachers for Junior and Senior Schools in the coming financial year at a cost of KSh1.9 billion. This is part of ongoing efforts to reduce the nationwide teacher shortage, which currently stands at about 116,000.
“In the past three years, we have recruited 100,000 teachers. The 2026/27 plan continues this trajectory as we address shortages created by the Competency-Based Curriculum,” she added.
The committee also raised concerns about delayed promotions for teachers who have attained advanced academic qualifications, noting that many with master’s and PhD degrees remain unrecognized. They further urged the Commission to regularize long-serving officers in acting positions, stressing that prolonged acting appointments contravene labour laws.
In response, TSC presented a budget proposal of KSh422.9 billion. Key allocations include KSh2 billion for promotions, KSh1.5 billion for retooling educators in new learning areas, and KSh7.2 billion to convert 20,000 interns into permanent and pensionable staff.
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However, Mitei admitted that budgetary constraints could slow the implementation of reforms. Among the challenges are the rollout of a new administrative structure for Junior Schools and the payment of acting allowances.
Mitei revealed that no funds had been allocated for acting allowances despite teachers continuing to shoulder administrative responsibilities, and appealed for parliamentary support to bridge the gaps.
By Masaki Enock
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