KNUT calls on TSC to ensure equitable teacher recruitment

KNUT calls on TSC to ensure equitable teacher recruitment

The Secretary General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Collins Oyuu, has urged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to uphold its independence, mandate, and integrity in the hiring of teachers for public institutions.

He cautioned against political interference, which he asserted had tainted the procedure.

Speaking during a Sunday church service at Chepkogonyo Deliverance Church in Bomet County, Oyuu voiced his worries about the manner in which the recent teacher recruitment initiative was carried out, attributing some of the blame to certain politicians for inappropriate meddling in what is otherwise a straightforward and constitutional mandate of the TSC.

Oyuu claimed that some politicians nationwide were overtly handing out TSC employment letters during funerals and political events, disregarding the traditionally accepted criteria, in an effort to gain political advantage, which is likely to tarnish the reputation of the teaching profession.

“The recent teacher recruitment was not conducted fairly. Politicians were handing out TSC letters at funerals and barazas to gain political leverage, and as a union, we feel the hurt when our teachers are hired under vague and questionable circumstances. The whole process provokes more questions than it provides answers,” Oyuu stated.

The union leader remarked that such behavior not only compromised the credibility of the TSC but also subjected desperate job seekers to unnecessary anxiety and distress.

Oyuu indicated that KNUT secretaries across all counties have been receiving grievances from young and unemployed graduate teachers who were unjustly treated and discriminated against by politicians focused solely on rewarding their supporters while distributing the letters, ignoring merit or graduation seniority.

He asserted that the distribution of TSC teacher recruitment forms was plagued by irregularities, and some recipients were reportedly compelled to sell their belongings to procure the forms from unscrupulous individuals.

“We have received alarming reports of young graduates and their families selling land to purchase TSC forms that were allegedly being auctioned, and this is intolerable,” he stated.

Oyuu additionally stressed that KNUT has compiled sufficient evidence of irregularities in the recruitment process and is prepared to present the findings to the TSC if required.

“We are ready to provide evidence if necessary. It is time for the TSC to examine its procedures and ensure transparency in the entire process,” he mentioned.

The KNUT Secretary General also urged the commission to strictly adhere to official recruitment protocols, such as emphasizing the year of graduation and other merit-based factors, rather than allowing outside forces to manipulate and weaken the process.

“Let employment be determined by merit and equity. The correct guidelines should be adhered to, including graduation year and academic credentials,” Oyuu stated.

His comments arise at a time when the TSC has announced plans to recruit 20,000 additional teachers by July this year to tackle the severe shortage of educators nationwide.
However, Oyuu maintained that unless transparency is maintained by TSC adhering to its mandate, such endeavors will be in vain.

“We urge TSC to demonstrate transparency in the forthcoming recruitment by refraining from involving politicians who are not recruitment agents in distributing the appointment letters. They should work to regain the trust of the teaching community and the public as it once was,” he stated.

The issues brought up by the KNUT leader regarding the recent participation of politicians and other individuals who are not TSC agents in teacher recruitment have since sparked public interest and are expected to raise concerns in the upcoming TSC recruitment process.