46,000 intern teachers in August, TSC receives Sh17.6 billion.
Major Funding Boost for the Teachers Service Commission
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has been allocated a significant budget of Sh17.6 billion to transition 46,000 intern teachers into permanent and pensionable positions (PNP). This funding comes as a relief, ensuring the continued operation and effectiveness of the Commission amidst previous concerns about budget cuts.
Background and Hiring Timeline
In February 2023, the TSC hired a substantial number of intern teachers:
- 21,550 junior school intern teachers
- 4,000 primary school intern teachers
This was followed by the hiring of:
- 450 secondary school intern teachers in April 2023
- 18,000 junior school and 2,000 primary school intern teachers in September 2023
Despite these efforts, TSC CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia announced in front of the National Assembly Education Committee that the confirmation of these teachers was initially delayed until January 2024 due to funding constraints caused by national treasury budget cuts.
Resolution and Future Plans
Thanks to the newly secured funding, the TSC is now set to transition the intern teachers to PNP terms by August of this year. This move addresses a critical need highlighted in a report by Budget and Appropriations Committee member Peter Masara. The report emphasized the importance of junior school intern teacher employment and the public’s call for the National Assembly to safeguard the Junior Secondary School (JSS) allocation proposed by the TSC.
Additional Funding and Initiatives
Alongside the Sh17.6 billion for confirming intern teachers, the Commission will also receive an extra Sh29.5 billion to manage teacher resources effectively. This financial support follows a precedent set by the government’s initiative to confirm intern physicians in permanent roles.
The TSC has completed the disciplinary process for 742 junior school intern teachers who appeared before its panels. Those who received termination letters but attended the panels will be reinstated and confirmed under PNP terms.
Moreover, the TSC plans to hire 20,000 more intern teachers by October this year, with:
- 2,000 for primary schools
- 18,000 for junior institutions
Strategic Deployment
In preparation for the start of Grade 9 next year, the TSC has initiated the process of assigning at least 26,000 currently employed P1 instructors to junior schools. This strategic move aims to bolster the teaching workforce and ensure that junior schools are adequately staffed.
Conclusion
The allocation of Sh17.6 billion to the TSC marks a significant step towards stabilizing the employment of intern teachers and enhancing the quality of education in Kenya. With these funds, the TSC can transition 46,000 intern teachers to permanent and pensionable positions, ensuring job security and better resource management within the education sector. The planned hiring and strategic deployment of additional teachers further underscore the Commission’s commitment to improving educational outcomes across the country.
