Homa bay: Education stakeholders in Homa Bay County have called upon Parliament to enact laws that protect the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) from political interference. Concerns were expressed that political operatives have infiltrated the TSC, hindering its ability to effectively execute its mandate.
According to Kenya News Agency, the calls were made during a public participation exercise organized by the National Assembly Committee on Education at Tom Mboya University in Homa Bay Town. The session was coordinated by the Committee’s Acting Chairman, Peter Orero, and was aimed at overhauling the education sector.
Hilder Otieno, Executive Secretary of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Homa Bay Branch, highlighted issues where politicians are undermining the TSC’s role in teacher employment. She criticized the practice of politicians distributing teacher employment letters at public gatherings, which she argued tarnishes the TSC’s image.
Otieno stated, “It is absurd to find politicians dishing-out teachers employment letters in funerals and other public gatherings, yet there is a constitutionally established commission that should employ teachers. We want Parliament to protect the TSC from interference by politicians.”
She further emphasized that allowing politicians to issue employment letters leads to injustice in the recruitment process. Some teachers remain unemployed for over a decade post-training, while others secure jobs within a year due to political influence. Otieno called for TSC’s independence to ensure fair recruitment practices.
Additionally, the Executive Secretary recommended enhancing the School Equipment Production Unit (SEPU) by allocating sufficient resources to ensure schools are adequately equipped.
The meeting also brought forth suggestions that County Commissioners and their Deputies should not chair County and Sub-county Education Boards. Instead, local residents with extensive knowledge of the education sector should take on these roles, as noted by Kibra Legislator, Peter Orero.
Orero remarked, “Kenyans do not want Government Administrative Officers to chair Sub-county Education Committees, not only in Homa Bay, but in many other counties we have visited. Instead, they want the Board to be chaired by a local resident with vast education sector knowledge and understanding of the County.”
The session also witnessed differing opinions on whether Junior Secondary Schools should remain in primary schools or move to secondary schools. Kibra MP assured residents that their views will be duly considered, stating, “This Committee respects the views of Kenyans. Be assured that the views given will be given the consideration they deserve.”
