TSC Retooling for 19000 newly-recruited teachers begins nationwide

Retooling for 19000 newly-recruited teachers begins nationwide

The over 19000 teacher interns who were recruited toward the end of last year began their training in various counties across the country on April 22, with requests for an increase in reimbursement rates from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

Many teachers who spoke to Education News expressed their frustration over the low rates that do not fully align with the rising demands of everyday life.

“The training locations are much farther away this time. We have to rent lodges to save time,” said Dennis, a teacher intern from Busia County.

It was noted that, unlike last year’s retooling, most venues were changed due to a decrease in some school management’s willingness to host the program, citing a prolonged delay in reimbursement for services provided by the commission.

A survey conducted on the first day of the retooling indicated that most centers in the Western region commenced the program earlier than anticipated. By 9 am, the trainees had crowded most centers. In Navakholo, the program started early, with the TSC County Director stressing the importance of full attendance by the teachers.

In the Eastern region, the program proceeded smoothly, with Trainer of Trainers (TOTs) noting that the training was relatively slow due to the trainees’ complete unfamiliarity with competency-based curricula.

In the Kangundo Sub-county, the number of male and female trainees was equal. In the central region, many training centers were visited by financial institutions, which, according to the trainees, took up much of the time that was supposed to be used for training activities.

Additionally, the trainees raised concerns at some venues regarding the trainers’ engagement in extended discussions that strayed from the trainer’s content.

Some centers in the Rift Valley region began the program late, such as the Kilgoris Sub-county, which started at 10:36 am. A faulty projector frequently disrupted the program in the Ainabkoi Sub-county.

It is important to note that April’s retooling initiative started off well in most centers across the nation. Special Needs Education (SNE) training occurred at the county level.

This time, the number of trainees was significantly lower. It was found that only age-based trainees from SNE schools, including those with hearing, visual, and physical impairments, were invited.