Embu:The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has rejected claims of political interference and corruption in the recruitment of teachers.
According to Kenya News Agency, the controversy arose after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula alleged in August that certain Members of Parliament had received the majority of teachers’ appointment letters for distribution. This sparked public outrage and accusations of corruption and political meddling in the recruitment process.
Wetang’ula further claimed, without naming individuals, that some politicians were capitalizing on the situation by selling the placement letters to job seekers for amounts ranging from Sh150,000 to Sh400,000.
However, TSC Chair Dr. Jamleck Muturi dismissed these claims as false and misleading, emphasizing that the commission operates independently and hires teachers based on merit. Speaking at St. Mary’s Kiangima High School in Embu County during an event leading up to World Teachers Day on October 5, Dr. Muturi asserted that no recruitment letters were being distributed by Members of Parliament.
Dr. Muturi stated, “We are an independent Commission, whereby we don’t receive instructions from anybody to employ teachers. We work within the realms of the Constitution.”
He further announced that the recruitment of more teachers is set to begin in November, inviting critics to visit various recruitment centers to verify the process. Dr. Muturi reiterated that the TSC follows a transparent procedure where positions are advertised, interested candidates apply, attend interviews, and politicians are not involved in issuing employment letters.
Dr. Muturi maintained that the recruitment and employment process, including the issuance of appointment letters, is strictly the constitutional mandate of the TSC under article 237.
