The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has raised serious concerns over alleged political interference in the teacher recruitment process, accusing politicians of unjustly influencing hiring decisions and undermining the integrity of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Speaking during a press briefing, KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu condemned what he termed as blatant meddling by members of the political class in a process that should be handled independently and professionally by the TSC. According to Oyuu, some politicians have been distributing teacher employment forms in their constituencies, a move he claims has sidelined many deserving candidates.
“Never in the history of the Teachers Service Commission have we seen what is happening now. The TSC should work and operate within its mandate. The manner in which employment forms are being distributed by some politicians leaves much to be desired,” said Oyuu.
The union now demands that the TSC reassert its authority and streamline the recruitment process in line with the law. KNUT argues that the TSC’s inaction is fueling frustrations among trained teachers, many of whom have waited years for employment opportunities.
“The issue of employment is causing a lot of concern in the circles of the Kenya National Union of Teachers. The Teachers Service Commission is an independent commission by law and has the mandate to recruit teachers for the teaching service. It is alarming that the TSC has abdicated this role,” Oyuu emphasized.
He further questioned the fairness of hiring recent graduates while older, long-waiting candidates are overlooked. “The idea of picking a teacher who completed college in 2023 while leaving out the one who finished in 2010 raises more questions than it answers,” he remarked.
Oyuu urged the TSC to adopt a more humane and equitable recruitment approach, stressing that some teachers who are over 50 years old are still unemployed. “Where do you want them to go? They must be employed,” he appealed.
KNUT’s call comes amid growing frustration in the education sector, with stakeholders urging transparency and fairness in all employment processes.
