The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Bomet branch has called for a shift in the recruitment priorities of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), advocating for P1 teachers to be given precedence over Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers. This comes amid growing concerns that the focus on hiring JSS educators is sidelining the needs and qualifications of P1 teachers, who are essential for the primary education sector.
Branch Executive Secretary Desmond Lang’at voiced these concerns during a press briefing, highlighting the neglect of P1 teachers as a troubling trend. “TSC is now focusing on hiring JSS teachers, forgetting P1 tutors. These teachers are well qualified to handle the primary section, hence should be given priority,” said Lang’at.
Lang’at emphasized that P1 teachers possess the necessary qualifications and are better suited to manage primary school students, given their training and the age of the learners they educate. He pointed out that the current recruitment strategy disproportionately favors JSS teachers, which could have adverse effects on the quality of primary education.
Furthermore, Lang’at advocated for the retooling of JSS teachers to ensure they are compatible with the comprehensive school system. He noted that many JSS teachers were initially trained for secondary education, and additional training would be beneficial to align their skills with the needs of the broader school system.
In addition to addressing recruitment issues, Lang’at praised the teachers in the Bomet region for their dedication and exemplary conduct. “Teachers in this region are hard-working. As a union, we are happy and hereby thank our teachers. No case of indiscipline has been reported among our members in the recent past. This is encouraging,” he stated.
The KNUT Bomet branch’s call for action underscores the importance of a balanced approach in teacher recruitment, ensuring that all levels of education receive adequate and appropriately trained personnel. As the debate continues, the union remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the welfare and recognition of P1 teachers, whose contributions are vital to the foundation of Kenya’s education system.
