Government urged to establish more TTC’s to address JSS teacher shortage

Mary Emase, the MP for Teso South, has called on the government to set up at least two diploma teacher training colleges in each county to help resolve issues in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS).

While speaking at Amukura Teachers Training College, Emase emphasized that retrained P1 and diploma teachers could effectively address the teacher shortage, as they are qualified to teach more than four subjects, unlike degree holders who typically specialize in only two.

She encouraged P1 teachers to pursue further qualifications to enhance their opportunities for transitioning to JSS or contributing to improving education in Kenya.

“This is a crucial development for education in Teso South and Busia as a whole, since this college will be the only teacher training institution in the county. I anticipate a positive change in the education system here, as the college will produce well-prepared teachers for JSS,” stated Emase.

Her comments follow a report from the Teachers Service Commission’s Busia office, which revealed a significant shortage of math and science teachers in Busia County, with 80% of science educators coming from other regions.

“When the TSC advertises for positions, Busia faces a severe lack of science teachers, compelling us to recruit many from other counties, primarily Siaya and Bungoma,” the commissioner informed KNA.

With Amukura TSC set to open later this year for its first group of students, Emase has urged the contractor to ensure timely completion of the project to facilitate inspection and secure the institution’s charter.

“Today, Amukura Teachers’ Training College successfully underwent an inspection and evaluation by the County Quality Assurance team and a national team from the Ministry of Education. Led by Mr. Isaac Wasai (CQASO) from Busia County and Mr. Jeff Chevaregi (QASO) from Teso Central, the team approved the college to begin its registration process in preparation for the admission of its first students in September 2025,” the legislator noted.

The college, built by NG-CDF on a 5.2-acre site, is seen as a transformative addition to education not just in Busia County but across the nation, as it will allow college students to conduct their teaching practice, thereby improving the teacher-student ratio.

This development coincides with a request from Geoffrey Ekasiba of the KNUT Teso Branch, urging the TSC to prioritize P1 teachers in upcoming recruitment efforts.