TSC Raises the Alarm On Severe Teacher Shortage In Junior And Senior Schools

The education sector in Kenya is facing a potential crisis following alarming revelations made by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) regarding a significant shortage of teachers in the country’s public schools.

According to the TSC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nancy Macharia, the commission is currently grappling with a shortage of an astonishing 98,281 teachers. The situation is further compounded by the fact that the number of qualified and trained teachers is insufficient, primarily due to inadequate funding and budgetary allocations.

During her appearance before the National Assembly’s Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee, Macharia presented a sobering picture of the education sector’s challenges, particularly regarding teacher shortages.

She informed the committee that the lack of sufficient funds to recruit teachers has led to a gap in staffing, which is negatively affecting the delivery of quality education to children. This shortage, she noted, is impeding the realization of the constitutional right to education, as outlined under Article 43 of Kenya’s Constitution.

“The shortage of teachers currently stands at 98,261, a figure that includes teachers for Junior Secondary Schools (JSS),” Macharia stated. She also pointed out that the shortage was expected to worsen next year with the anticipated rollout of senior schools.

This is particularly concerning because the TSC has not been able to achieve its target staffing levels since its inception. As a result, Macharia emphasized the urgent need for increased budgetary allocations to address the growing demand for qualified teachers in the system.

The committee members were also informed of the negative effects the teacher shortage is having on the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

With the introduction of new learning areas under CBC, such as media technology, woodwork, jewelry and ornament making, sculpture, leather craft, marine and fisheries technology, general science, and indigenous languages, there has been a significant gap in qualified teachers to handle these subjects.

This, according to Macharia, has led to a situation where schools are unable to offer the full spectrum of courses that are critical for the development of students under the new curriculum.

In addition to the teacher shortage, the CEO also raised concerns about the rapid and often uncoordinated establishment of new schools without corresponding budgetary provisions for staffing. She highlighted the issue of schools being set up too close to each other, in some cases bearing similar names, and without adequate planning for the recruitment of teachers.

Macharia suggested that one solution to this problem would be for the government to increase the budget for the recruitment of teachers to meet the staffing needs of newly established schools.

Furthermore, she called for stronger coordination between key stakeholders, including sponsors, investors, and politicians, to ensure that the establishment of new schools is well-planned and that existing schools are expanded in a way that meets the educational needs of the population.

The committee, led by Runyenjes MP Karemba Muchangi, also heard that insufficient funding had hindered the promotion of teachers. As of December of the previous year, only 200,022 teachers were eligible for promotion, having completed three years or more in a particular grade.

However, this number continues to grow annually as more teachers meet the necessary criteria for promotion. The lack of funding for promotions has led to frustration among many teachers who feel that their career progression is being delayed due to financial constraints within the TSC.

This issue was raised by Tiaty MP William Kamket, who questioned the recent promotion exercise and sought clarification on the criteria used to promote teachers. Macharia explained that the lack of funding had made it difficult for the commission to address these concerns in a timely manner.

Another key issue discussed was the medical coverage for teachers. Members of the committee expressed concerns over the inability of teachers to access healthcare services, with many having to pay out of pocket for medical treatments.

Macharia explained that this, too, was a result of budgetary constraints. The TSC requires approximately KSh 54 billion to fund the medical scheme for teachers, but it is only allocated KSh 20 billion.

This gap in funding has led to situations where teachers are unable to access the healthcare services they are entitled to, even though they are covered under the scheme.

“The commission requires approximately KSh 54 billion for the medical scheme, but we are only allocated KSh 20 billion. That is why, at times, when teachers go to hospitals, they may not receive services, but it’s not because they are not covered. It’s simply due to a lack of budgetary allocation,” Macharia explained.

The committee also raised concerns about the recent promotion of over 25,000 teachers, questioning why some freshly graduated college teachers had been promoted ahead of others who had been in the system for years.

Macharia clarified that the recruitment process takes into account localities, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas (ASALs), where there is a severe teacher shortage. In these areas, newly graduated teachers may be recruited to fill vacancies in schools, sometimes ahead of more experienced teachers who have been waiting for promotions.

Committee chair Karemba Muchangi directed the CEO to submit a detailed report on the distribution of teachers across the country to provide more clarity on this issue.

Another point of contention raised during the meeting was the accusation that Macharia and the TSC had surrendered the appointment of teachers to politicians, particularly regarding the irregular issuance of employment letters.

Matungu MP Oscar Nabulindo questioned why some cabinet secretaries were distributing employment letters at political rallies, raising concerns about the integrity of the recruitment process. In response, Macharia vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that the TSC follows a transparent and merit-based recruitment process.

She explained that the claims were based on media reports and insisted that the TSC’s recruitment procedures are clearly outlined on their official website.

“I read about these allegations in the papers. If you check our website, you will see how we carry out our recruitment process. I am concerned because these kinds of things give the TSC a very bad name,” Macharia said.

The education sector is facing significant challenges that require urgent attention from the government. The shortage of teachers, lack of funding, and logistical issues surrounding school expansion and teacher recruitment are all contributing to a system that is struggling to meet the growing demands of a population that is increasingly in need of quality education.

Without increased investment in the education sector, Kenya’s education system may face even greater difficulties in the years ahead.

Read Also: TSC Releases List Of Teachers Promoted In 2025, Here’s How To Check