Consider P1 teachers first in next recruitment, KNUT tells TSC

Consider P1 teachers first in next recruitment, KNUT tells TSC

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Kipkelion branch, requests that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) prioritize Primary Teacher 1 teachers in the forthcoming recruitment exercise.

Branch Secretary David Bore articulated concerns that numerous qualified P1 teachers have been overlooked for years despite their commitment and service to the education sector.

While addressing attendees in Kipkelion, Bore implored the TSC to take into account these teachers who, he pointed out, have been unemployed or underemployed for an excessive duration.

“P1 teachers are the foundation of primary education, particularly in lower grades. It is unjust to exclude them while hiring diploma holders for equivalent positions. The TSC must rectify this disparity,” he stated.

He underscored that equitable recruitment practices would enhance morale and remedy teacher shortages in local educational institutions. He voiced apprehensions regarding the escalating trend of politicians issuing appointment letters to newly recruited teachers, asserting that this practice undermines the independence of the TSC.

“The matter of employment is generating significant unease within KNUT. The TSC is a legally independent commission. It possesses the authority to recruit teachers for the teaching service. It is troubling that the TSC has relinquished this responsibility,” expressed Bore.

Bore reiterated that the sole function of the TSC is the recruitment and assignment of teachers, and that political interference jeopardizes transparency and meritocracy.

The union additionally called for a transparent, professional recruitment procedure that adheres to the law and ensures fairness for all qualified teachers, cautioning that any form of irregularity will be disallowed.