TSC under fire over Sh720 million meant for recruitment of new teachers

The Teachers Service Commission, TSC, has come under fire over misappropriation of Sh720Million meant for recruitment of new teachers.

Commission chairman, Jamleck Muturi, on Monday, December 19, was at pains to account for Ksh720 million allocated for hiring 6000 intern teachers in July 2022.

The National Assembly Education Committee demanded answers concerning the recruitment of intern teachers and the use of funds allocated to the process. The MPs expressed their dissatisfaction saying that many unemployed Kenyans missed the opportunity to get the jobs.

“People lost an income that had been budgeted for by the government. Where were you, and why did you delay the recruitment of these teachers?” Hon Nyutu questioned.

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In a response, the TSC Chairman explained that the recruitment was a delicate process that began immediately but was disrupted by national exams’ preparations.

“We started the recruitment process in July 2022 but delayed it a bit in October 2022 because of exams,“ Chairman Muturi responded.

The MPs were though dissatisfied with the response from TSC.

“Recruitment is not a long-term thing, we have been seeing recruitment happening on time. Why did the commission not recruit and funds were allocated,” wondered a member of the Committee.

The agitated members are now demanding answers on the status of the allocated funds and demanded that the Commissioners be surcharged.

“We want to know if the money is still there. Ksh720 million was allocated. It was supposed to have served Kenyans and not fixing some money in some bank somewhere.”

“Why does it take so long to identify the number of interns you need? It’s a matter of time before someone owns up and if possible the commission should be surcharged. We will surcharge you. We will calculate how the money was spent to the last cent,” wondered the MPs

In his response, Muturi said the funds are intact.

“I agree. These people have not started working. There is no money lost its just that Kenyans have not earned their salary,” the TSC chairman said.

Debate on the status of the funds was differed to the next meeting.

The Commission is currently recruiting over 35,000 teachers; a bull of whom will be posted to the Junior Secondary Schools.