The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Kipkelion branch, wants the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to prioritise Primary Teacher 1 teachers in the upcoming recruitment exercise.
Branch Secretary David Bore expressed concern that many qualified P1 teachers have been sidelined for years despite their dedication and service to the education sector.
Speaking in Kipkelion, Bore urged TSC to consider these teachers who, he noted, have remained unemployed or underemployed for too long.
“P1 teachers are the backbone of primary education, especially in lower classes. It is unfair to sideline them while hiring diploma holders for the same jobs. TSC must address this imbalance,” he said.
He emphasised that fair recruitment practices would boost morale and address teacher shortages in local schools.
He raised concerns over the growing trend of politicians issuing appointment letters to newly recruited teachers, saying it undermines TSC’s independence.
“The issue of employment is causing much concern within KNUT. The TSC is an independent commission by law. It has the mandate to recruit teachers for the teaching service. It is alarming that the TSC has abdicated this role,” lamented Bore.
Bore emphasised that the TSC’s sole mandate is the hiring and deployment of teachers, and political involvement compromises transparency and meritocracy.
The union further called for a straightforward, professional recruitment process that respects the law and ensures fairness for all qualified teachers, warning that any form of irregularity will not be tolerated.
By Kimutai Langat
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
