- TSC Chairperson Dr Jamleck Muturi dismissed political interference in teacher hiring, saying TSC is independent and MPs have no role in hiring.
- TSC says recruitment follows advertisement, application and interview, with fresh recruitment planned for November under Article 237.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has rejected allegations of political interference and corruption in the recruitment of teachers, insisting that the hiring process is conducted independently and on merit.
The commission’s response comes weeks after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula raised concerns over the alleged involvement of politicians in the distribution of teachers’ appointment letters.
Wetang’ula had claimed in August that some Members of Parliament had received large numbers of teachers’ appointment letters for distribution, triggering public concern over possible political influence in the recruitment process.
The Speaker further alleged, without naming the politicians involved, that some individuals were taking advantage of desperate job seekers by selling appointment letters for between Sh150,000 and Sh400,000.
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We Are Independent, Says TSC Chair
However, TSC Chairperson Dr Jamleck Muturi dismissed the claims, describing them as untrue and misleading while reaffirming the commission’s constitutional independence.
Speaking at St Mary’s Kiangima High School in Embu County on Thursday during a build-up activity ahead of this year’s World Teachers’ Day celebrations, Muturi said Members of Parliament had no role in issuing teachers’ appointment letters.
“We are an independent Commission, whereby we don’t receive instructions from anybody to employ teachers; we work within the realms of the Constitution,” he said.
Muturi explained that teacher recruitment follows a formal process in which vacancies are advertised, applicants submit their applications, and shortlisted candidates undergo interviews before successful candidates are appointed.
He challenged those questioning the integrity of the process to visit recruitment centres and establish the facts for themselves.
“We normally advertise for positions, and all those interested apply and then go for interviews and no employment letters whatsoever are given out by politicians,” he reiterated.
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November Recruitment Planned
The TSC chairperson also disclosed that the commission is expected to commence another recruitment exercise in November, offering fresh opportunities for qualified teacher applicants.
He maintained that recruitment, employment and the issuance of appointment letters are matters solely handled by the commission under Article 237 of the Constitution.
The remarks come as scrutiny of teacher recruitment continues, with the commission seeking to draw a clear line between its constitutional mandate and claims of political involvement in the hiring process.
By Lizzy Aluga
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