For trained teachers in Mogotio and Baringo South in Baringo County, the dream of securing a teaching job has remained elusive years after graduation.
The educators, led by Maureen Koech and Brendah Toroitich, have now appealed to the government to address their prolonged unemployment, saying the situation has left them struggling to provide for their families and uncertain about their professional futures.
Most of the teachers graduated in 2018 and 2019, but despite repeated attempts to secure employment, they say their efforts have been unsuccessful.
“We have families to take care of, but after years of training and waiting for employment, we are still struggling to find opportunities. It is painful to remain unemployed despite having the necessary qualifications,” they said.
Teachers express frustration over prolonged unemployment
Speaking to the press, the teachers expressed disappointment over what they described as neglect, arguing that their years of training and continued efforts to improve their qualifications had not translated into employment.
They noted that some had pursued further studies to strengthen their professional credentials, hoping to increase their chances of being recruited.
However, the prolonged wait has left many demoralised, with some approaching retirement age before securing employment in the profession they trained for.
Educators call for affirmative action in recruitment
The educators called for affirmative action in recruitment, urging the government to consider their circumstances and years of waiting when allocating teaching positions.
They further argued that continued exclusion from employment opportunities was a violation of their rights and undermined the prospects of trained professionals eager to contribute to education.
Their appeal comes amid government plans to recruit an additional 20,000 teachers, a move that could offer fresh opportunities to jobless educators across the country.
The teachers are now urging the authorities to ensure that the planned recruitment takes their plight into account and gives long-waiting qualified candidates a fair opportunity to serve in schools.
Reader Discussion (0)
Sign in to comment