By Kipkemboi Toroitich
Teachers in the TVET sub-sector have asked the government to consider their promotions as they have been stuck in the same positions for years.
Speaking during a training programme held in Pride Inn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa recently, the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) Chair Glory Mutungi said there had been no communication from the Public Service Commission (PSC) ever since they were shifted from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
This comes at a time that their TSC counterparts are angling for re-tabling of their 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the government, which was put aside during the Covid-19 period.
“The silence is even more aggravated by the non-recognition of deputy principals, registrars and deans of our technical colleges,” she said.
TVET tutors and administrators were transferred from the TSC to PSC payrolls over four years ago in a move that the government said will improve service delivery.
Mutungi asked the government to implement their Scheme of Service, saying some of their colleagues were disillusioned and unceremoniously quit service due to growing uncertainty. The scheme of service was drafted after they were enlisted in the public service, which is different from the TSC’s.
Urging the Ministry of Education (MoE) to release their capitations early, she said they belonged to the ministry until such a time when they will be given a new ministry.
Reacting to her sentiments and appeals, Cabinet Administrative Secretary (CAS) David Yatich said their matter was being looked into, and that their complaints will be addressed once an agency, called the Technical Trainers Service Council (TTSC), is fully commissioned. The council is in the process of being put together.
Yatich, however, challenged the tutors to increase enrolment in their respective institutions as a prerequisite for promotions and being posted to more prestigious colleges. It is not clear, though, if this is a condition for promotion or a motivation to get promoted.
The TVET Act, 2013 does not specify guidelines for the promotion and remuneration of TVET tutors. It has not been reviewed since its signing into law.
