TSC on the spot for not hiring teachers over the age of 45

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is facing criticism from lawmakers for not hiring teachers over the age of 45. During a discussion initiated by Soy MP David Kiplagat, the MPs called for TSC to appear before the Education Committee to explain the delays in hiring these educators.

Kiplagat and other MPs argued that TSC should employ all qualified teachers, even those nearing retirement, which is just two years away. He requested a report detailing the number of registered teachers over 45 who are currently unemployed, including their graduation years, registration years, ages, and geographical distribution.

He also asked for information on how many teachers over 45 were recently hired, the distribution of these hires, the steps being taken to implement affirmative action for this age group, and any plans to modify the current recruitment process to prevent prolonged hiring delays.

Julius Melly, the chairperson of the Education Committee and Tinderet MP, stated that they would invite TSC to discuss these issues further, emphasizing that many teachers have been unable to secure employment due to the age restriction.

This statement comes shortly after TSC faced scrutiny over the promotion of 151,611 teachers, with MPs alleging that those who scored 80% in interviews were favored over those who scored 100%.

Kiplagat expressed disappointment that, despite a 2019 ruling from the Employment and Labour Relations Court declaring TSC’s 45-year age limit for teacher recruitment unconstitutional and discriminatory, the commission has not complied with the ruling. He noted that many qualified teachers over 45 continue to face discrimination in hiring.

He pointed out that this group of teachers has consistently applied for jobs and met all requirements but remains overlooked, even as Kenya grapples with a significant teacher shortage—over 110,000 vacancies reported in 2023, including a shortfall of 72,422 teachers in junior secondary schools, while more than 350,000 qualified teachers remain unemployed, many of whom are over 45.

Kiplagat called for affirmative action from TSC to provide employment opportunities for these teachers before they reach the mandatory retirement age of 60.