House committee grills TSC over gaps in teacher welfare, policy
Legislators raised concerns that unresolved gaps have left thousands of teachers frustrated, warning the Commission to act swiftly.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has come under scrutiny over policies on intern teachers, budget implementation, promotions and the proposed medical cover under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
In a meeting with the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Education in Nakuru on Thursday, legislators raised concerns that unresolved gaps have left thousands of teachers frustrated, warning the Commission to act swiftly.
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The forum, co-chaired by Committee Chair and Tinderet MP Julius Melly and TSC Chairperson Jamleck Muturi, examined pressing matters affecting the education sector, including the status of intern teachers, the implementation of the 2024/2025 financial year budget, teacher promotion, deployment and transfer guidelines, and the transition from the AON/MINET scheme to SHA.
Melly stressed the need for close collaboration between Parliament and the Commission, noting that such engagement is crucial in shaping policies and frameworks to improve access, quality and equity in education.
“As a teacher by training and a Member of Parliament, this meeting is vital as it brings together the mind of the Commission and the mind of the House of Parliament to facilitate and develop policy and frameworks that will improve access, quality and equity in education. How do we make sure that the Commission serves our teachers well?” he posed.
The Commission explained that its mandate is to ensure that only trained, qualified, and registered teachers are allowed in classrooms. Officials told the Committee that the registration process has been fully automated, with applicants now receiving digital certificates.
Since 2022, a total of 379,389 teachers have been registered, raising the cumulative figure since the Commission’s inception in 1967 to 989,964.
A lengthy discussion arose on intern teachers, with MPs seeking clarification on frameworks for recruitment, placement, mentorship and eventual absorption into permanent and pensionable positions. Concerns were raised over low stipends, short contracts, the risk of exploitation and the need for Kenya to benchmark its induction and professional development practices with international standards.
The Committee also interrogated budget implementation for the 2024/2025 financial year, focusing on teacher recruitment, training, promotions and donor-supported capital projects. While acknowledging progress, the TSC flagged funding gaps that continue to constrain promotions and capacity-building efforts.
Members further pressed for clarity on the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG), citing persistent teacher shortages in hardship regions, the social impact of frequent transfers on families, and limited opportunities for career advancement due to insufficient funds.
The issue of medical cover generated sharp debate, with Muturi insisting that the Commission would not compromise on quality healthcare for teachers.
“The AON/MINET package offers extensive coverage, including specialised consultations, dental and optical care, and chronic condition management without exclusions,” he said.
Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap suggested that SHA develop a premium package tailored for teachers, balancing broad access with quality services.
Muturi also outlined challenges facing the Commission, among them delayed disbursements from the exchequer, insecurity in some regions, inadequate teacher numbers, insufficient promotion funds, gaps in insurance cover, and underfunded field operations. He added that the Commission struggles to resource newly opened schools in low-viability areas and lacks enough funding to retool teachers and officers for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Legislators also sought explanations on the Commission’s disciplinary procedures and the status of teachers seeking readmission after court acquittals.
Muturi responded that the TSC operates under its own professional codes to uphold accountability, even when criminal thresholds are not met.
Committee Vice Chairperson and Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara urged the Commission to apply affirmative action in teacher recruitment to ensure disadvantaged groups and regions are not left behind.
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