The Parliamentary Education Committee has asked the leadership of the Teachers Service Commission, TSC, to give reasons why it has failed to confirm 46,000 JSS intern teachers. Whereas Ksh18 billion has been allocated for this purpose, confirmation is still incomplete, hence raising concern among education stakeholders.
Parliamentary Inquiry into the Delay
Committee chair Julius Melly said the committee will write to TSC to explain why it was taking too long to confirm their status. The money allocated to upgrade the status of the intern teachers to Permanent and Pensionable status was meant to fast track the process.
“TSC has been given Ksh18 billion, and we expected them to confirm all the 46,000 interns. My committee has since invited Nancy Macharia and her team to come and tell us what is going on,” he said.
Timeline for Confirmation
What was equally important, as Melly added, was for the TSC to explain when this enforcement was set to take place. He wanted to be shown when adverts for such posts would appear in newspapers and when the entire process would be complete. He thinks this matter needs to be settled before the year closes if the education sector is to continue enjoying stability.
Delocalized Teachers Yet to Return Home
Outside of the issues relating to the confirmation of interns, Melly also questioned the delayed return to their home counties regarding delocalized teachers. This issue has brought about several complaints since too many of them have not been relocated despite earlier directions.
“We have reports that many of the delocalized teachers are yet to return to their home counties. This is wrong. Teaching is cultural, so all teachers must serve in their home counties as stipulated by the UNESCO declaration,” he observed.
Mounting Pressure from Teachers’ Unions
The case is supported by pressure from Teachers’ Unions-the Kenya National Union of Teachers, KNUT, and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers, KUPPET.