The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Nancy Macharia has revealed that the Commission is going to advertise 19,000 new promotional vacancies for teachers in the next two weeks.
Speaking during the 64th Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) at Sheikh Zayed Hall in Mombasa on December 10, 2024, Dr. Macharia stated that the new promotional vacancies will target those teachers who were left out during the previous promotions.
She reiterated that the Commission will continue to employ additional teachers on a permanent and internship basis in a bid to address the teacher shortage in schools.
“Last financial year, we employed 76,000 teachers, 46000 on permanent and pension and 20,000 as interns,” she said.
The TSC boss noted that the Commission is working towards the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and that the Commission will take into consideration what that the union has fronted in the CBA when the negotiations will start soon.
On teachers’ mental health, Dr. Macharia said that the Commission is committed in supporting those teachers facing these challenges, adding that those teachers experiencing mental health difficulties should be referred to the commission for appropriate assistance and intervention.
“We are working with various partners dealing with mental health challenges to provide treatment for teachers. If you know of any such cases, please refer them to us,” she said, noting that the efforts are part of the commission’s dedication to improving the lives of teachers and ensuring their well-being as they continue to deliver quality services.
Dr. Macharia emphasized the importance of fostering a positive working relationship between TSC and KNUT, noting that both entities rely on each other to fulfill their mandates effectively.
“The union cannot exist in isolation; we must work together. It is this relationship that brings me here today to honour your hard work,” said Dr. Macharia, revealing that the longstanding enmity between the union and the Commission has been resolved, a development that has positively impacted the education sector.
She said it is a milestone achievement for the two to sit together and discuss development agendas as far as teachers and education is concerned, adding that the Commission will continue to foster strong and productive working relationships with all its partners in promoting and advocating for the best interests of both the teacher and the learner.
This was echoed by KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu, who affirmed that the relationship between the union and the TSC is now harmonious, hailing the union’s role in advocating for significant reforms in the education sector which are currently benefiting teachers.
Oyuu said one of the achievements is the integration of Grades 7, 8, and 9 into Comprehensive Schools, noting that 90 per cent of the union’s recommendations which were submitted to the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER) have been adopted and are being successfully implemented.
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Oyuu reiterated the union’s commitment to continue pushing for better policies until both the education system and the well-being of teachers meet the desired standards, urging all its members from the 110 branches to work hard and offer better services.
He called upon Junior School teachers to join the union since KNUT represents teachers of all cadres in the teaching service.
By Shaban Omar
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