The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) officials have criticized the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for transferring more than 47 teachers from Turkana County to Baringo without providing replacements.
They argue that this decision has negatively impacted learning in the region. During a media briefing yesterday, KESSHA Secretary General Michael Ejikon expressed concern over the TSC’s actions, stating, “This is a blatant denial of education to children from marginalized communities, which goes against the government’s mandate.”
Areman Simon, a representative from the Kenya Union of Post Primary School Teachers (KUPPET) in Turkana, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the TSC’s decisions undermine education in the area.
He pointed out that some schools had lost their entire teaching staff without any replacements, leaving students without teachers.
Areman also noted that while some teachers had declined their transfer letters, the TSC allegedly forced them to comply.
“You cannot transfer five teachers from one station; that is a disservice to the learners of Turkana. Who will teach them once you transfer these teachers?” Areman questioned.
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He provided an example of a nearby high school where a teacher was transferred against their wishes.
This issue of teacher shortages in secondary schools is not new. The education stakeholders have raised similar concerns. The problem persists despite the government’s promise to hire 20,000 additional teachers by January.
The existing shortage has resulted in overcrowded classrooms, overburdened teachers, and a lack of specialists in critical subjects.
In October of last year, TSC Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia acknowledged the staffing crisis, revealing that, despite having over 400,000 unemployed teachers in the country, the Commission still faces challenges in finding qualified Science teachers.
By Joseph Mambili
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