TSC To Get Ksh 382 Billion For Teachers Promotion And Recruitment

In a decisive move to strengthen the education sector, Members of Parliament (MPs) from the National Assembly Education Committee have thrown their weight behind the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in its request for an allocation of Ksh382.3 billion in the 2025/26 national budget.

The lawmakers believe this funding is crucial for addressing teacher shortages, ensuring career progression for educators, and improving overall learning conditions in the country.

Speaking during a meeting with the Liaison Committee on Friday, Committee Chair Julius Melly emphasized the necessity of this budget, stating that the proposed allocation would enable TSC to recruit 18,000 intern teachers, hire 18,000 permanent secondary school teachers, and promote 20,000 teachers across various levels.

“These recruitments and promotions will continue to address the gaps in teaching resources as well as motivate teachers in terms of career progression,” Melly stated.

Beyond teacher recruitment, MPs stressed that the Ksh382.3 billion budget would also help bridge existing funding gaps in other key areas of the education sector. The Committee highlighted the need for Ksh6.3 billion to facilitate collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) for university staff, ensuring that lecturers and other educators receive fair salaries and benefits.

Additionally, Ksh20.9 billion is required for capitation, scholarships, and loans for students enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

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This funding will play a vital role in supporting thousands of students who rely on government assistance to pursue technical and vocational education. The MPs noted that this initiative would particularly benefit the 2024 cohort of TVET students, who will be joining institutions in 2025.

Furthermore, an extra Ksh890 million has been earmarked for the construction of new TVET institutions in constituencies that currently lack them. Lawmakers underscored the importance of expanding access to vocational training, arguing that TVET institutions are essential for equipping young people with practical skills to enhance employability and economic growth.

While the plan to hire more teachers has been widely welcomed, graduate teachers have raised concerns over the prolonged process of issuing TSC registration numbers, which is a key requirement for employment.

Many have expressed frustration over the lengthy internship programs, arguing that they are underpaid and struggle financially during the internship period.

“We request the government that instead of employing a teacher as an intern for two or one year, that period is enough to change the life of somebody if you give them enough resources.”

There have been ongoing calls for internship periods to be shortened or for interns to receive better remuneration to reflect their qualifications and the rising cost of living.

Another key issue under discussion is the promotion of 20,000 primary school headteachers to Junior Secondary School (JSS) principal positions. The TSC initially announced this plan in 2024, but it has faced significant delays due to pending CBA agreements.

In November 2024, TSC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nancy Macharia addressed the Kenya Primary School Headteachers Association (KEPSHA) during its annual conference, informing school heads that the promotions could not proceed until a new CBA was signed.

She urged teachers to work closely with the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) to understand their roles and responsibilities in managing JSS institutions.

Despite these setbacks, MPs remain optimistic that with the approval of the Ksh382.3 billion budget, the education sector will experience significant improvements in staffing, teacher motivation, and student support programs.

The funding proposal is expected to be debated in the coming months, with stakeholders hoping for a swift resolution to ensure timely implementation of these crucial initiatives.

As discussions continue, education stakeholders are urging the government to prioritize teacher welfare and student support programs to ensure a sustainable and high-quality education system. The approval of the TSC budget could mark a major step in addressing teacher shortages, enhancing career growth opportunities, and improving access to education for thousands of students nationwide.

The coming weeks will be critical as Parliament deliberates on the proposal, with many hoping that the education sector will receive the financial boost it desperately needs.

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