KNUT Tells TSC to Review Teacher Recruitment Policy and Prioritize Academic Qualifications over KCSE Grades.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) wants the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to reform the recruitment policy and promote academic qualifications at higher education levels over KCSE grades.
Speaking to Education News, KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu said the current policy framework which requires a minimum KCSE grade of C (plain) for diploma-level teacher recruitment is exclusionary and outdated. Oyuu said this criterion is disqualifying many highly qualified individuals who have degrees and postgraduate qualifications.
Oyuu noted that many candidates with substantial academic credentials including master’s degrees are being locked out of the teaching profession because of historical KCSE results that no longer reflect their academic abilities. According to Oyuu, some university lecturers got D+ (plus) in KCSE but advanced to become graduate lecturers. The KNUT SG accussed the commission of blocking primary school teachers with C (plain) in KCSE who have graduated with a degree from teaching Grades 7, 8 and 9.
KNUT said recruitment should focus on the highest academic qualification attained, pointing out that teachers have sacrificed so much to upgrade their qualifications while in service. Oyuu gave an example of a professor who started with C- grade in KCSE, pursued further studies at Kampala International University, Kenyatta University and an online university in the US and is now a professor of religious education and Kiswahili.
The union said the current policy overlooks socio-economic and contextual factors that may have influenced KCSE results and does not consider individual progress and competence. Oyuu added that existing staffing challenges in public schools demand a review of recruitment criteria to allow in eligible candidates who are currently locked out.
KNUT said during the 2024 TSC teacher recruitment, 4,800 positions were advertised and 304,000 applied. Only 10,000 were shortlisted. TSC has admitted to a shortage of 98,000 teachers in the basic education system.
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Oyuu asked the question, “So does this mean that the 304,000 teachers who did not make it to the 2024 TSC interview are not qualified to be teachers?” He also alleged politicisation of teacher recruitment, citing a case in Kisii where employment letters were distributed at a funeral by a former Cabinet Secretary.
KNUT wants TSC to adhere to Article 237(2)(b) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 which states that TSC shall recruit and employ registered teachers.
To address teacher shortages particularly in marginalised and hardship areas like Garissa, Wajir, Turkana and Samburu, KNUT proposed that TSC prioritise training and recruitment of local residents so that they can continue to serve during emergencies and reduce attrition caused by insecurity and remoteness.
Oyuu cited Article 53 of the Constitution which gives every child the right to free and compulsory basic education and warned that the current approach is undermining this right. He asked TSC to increase support to teachers in these areas through hardship allowances, better security arrangements and improved working conditions.
KNUT quoted Article 91 of TSC Code of Regulations for Teachers which requires TCS to pay hardship allowances to educators teaching in gazetted hardship areas. Oyuu said while the allowance supports livelihoods it is not enough to ensure safety and well being of teachers.
The union asked for construction of secure teacher housing within school compounds and mental health support programs for teachers in high risk areas. It also asked the government to deploy more Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel in affected areas and establish more Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) for training of local teachers.
Furthermore KNUT asked for review of the teacher retirement age from 60 years and proposed that experienced teachers be retained longer to mentor junior colleagues especially in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS).
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Additionally Oyuu asked for better inter-level collaboration between JSS and primary school teachers saying “A teacher is a teacher. Do not regard other teachers as lesser. A great teacher is ageless.”
The union also suggested that funds allocated to Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) training be redirected to improve school infrastructure including classrooms, laboratories, dormitories and learning materials such as books and teaching aids.
KNUT reiterated its vision to be the most effective and self reliant teachers’ union in the world guided by principles of integrity, equity, teamwork, efficiency, professional advancement and continuous improvement.
KNUT Tells TSC to Review Teacher Recruitment Policy and Prioritize Academic Qualifications over KCSE Grades.
