By Peter Otuoro
Schools in urban centres have more female teachers compared to those in rural areas while schools in rural areas have more male teachers compared to those in urban areas, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has revealed.
This is according to a research finding conducted by the teachers’ employer after visits to various schools in all counties.
While speaking at ARC Hall in Egerton University during a five-day workshop for Sub County Directors, TSC Internal Audit Directorate official Isaac Mamu encouraged TSC Staffing Directorate, County Directors and all Sub County Directors to ensure that they balance teachers to enable male and female teachers to provide services equally and fairly countrywide.
“Schools in urban areas were not meant for female teachers only and the schools in the rural areas were not meant for male teachers only. Both were employed to work in any part of Kenya,” Mamu said.
He also revealed that over 1,000 schools in Kenya have either male teachers or female teachers only teaching the students.
The official termed the situation as unprofessional especially in single sex schools.
“If a mixed school has only male teachers, girls in that school will not get critical services of guidance and counselling that can only be adequately offered by female teachers who are better positioned,” said Mamu.
He noted that balancing of female and male teachers is very critical and should be enhanced to give learners of either sex a conducive environment.
The official further asked the staffing officers to ensure they scrutinize the list of teachers serving at various education institutions in their jurisdictions to ensure that only serving teachers receive salaries.
