The Teacher Service Commission (TSC) finds itself under significant scrutiny for its recent decision to sack 7,357 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers across Kenya. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, alongside other Members of Parliament, has demanded the immediate reinstatement of the dismissed educators, warning that failure to do so will result in parliamentary censure.
Addressing the press at Parliament Buildings, Senator Cherargei condemned the TSC’s actions as excessively harsh and unjustified. “We are asking the Teachers Service Commission to rescind the termination of contracts and recall the 7,357 letters that were sent to Junior Secondary School teachers. The measure taken is very punitive and is unacceptable,” stated Cherargei.
Cherargei also urged the TSC to expedite the process of employing over 46,000 intern teachers on permanent and pensionable terms. He stressed the necessity of providing job security to educators to ensure the stability and quality of the education system. “The commission should immediately embark on the process of employing all the over 46,000 intern teachers on permanent and pensionable terms,” Cherargei added.
The TSC, in a statement issued yesterday, countered the figures reported by parliamentarians. The commission clarified that it had dismissed 742 JSS teachers, not 7,357, and justified the terminations by citing mass protests. According to the TSC, these teachers were relieved of their duties following significant demonstrations demanding permanent employment.
On May 22, the TSC had issued show-cause letters to protesting teachers who had absconded their duties. These letters required the teachers to respond within two weeks. The commission noted that 10,348 teachers had received show-cause letters to explain their absence from work since May 13, 2024.
Senator Cherargei indicated that the TSC’s CEO, Nancy Macharia, would be summoned to appear before Parliament next week to explain the rationale behind the decision if it is not rescinded by the end of this week. This impending parliamentary session underscores the gravity of the situation and the high stakes for both the TSC and the affected teachers.
The controversy highlights the ongoing challenges within Kenya’s education sector, particularly regarding employment terms and job security for teachers. The resolution of this issue will likely have lasting implications for labor relations within the sector and the broader educational landscape in Kenya.
As the deadline looms, all eyes are on the TSC and Parliament to see how this conflict will unfold and what it will mean for the future of Kenya’s educators and students.
