TSC laments shortage of funds to employ teachers

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has said that the amount allocated by Treasury for employment of additional teachers in this financial year is insufficient.

TSC secretary Gabriel Lengoiboni said on Saturday that the government only allocated funds for recruitment of 5,000 teachers against the current shortage of 89,000.

Last year, the shortage of teachers stood at 74,000.

“The commission has been allocated funds to recruit about 5,000 teachers for primary, secondary and tertiary levels. This is very little compared to the current shortage that the country is experiencing,” said Mr Lengoiboni.

Speaking at Kibirichia Boys High School during the Buuri constituency education day, Mr Lengoiboni said the commission is working out modalities of distributing the expected 5, 000 new teachers.

He also announced that the government had allocated Sh3 billion for the promotion of 7,500 teachers.

About 3,800 of the promoted teachers will receive their letters of appointment soon.

He also urged County Education Boards to review the criteria for registration of new schools in their respective counties saying the process was being based on other interests.

“New schools should be registered on the basis of need as there are overstretched and limited teacher resources in the country. These
boards should play their role effectively to ensure the betterment in providing quality education,” he said.

At the same time, he encouraged teachers to go through refresher courses to upgrade their knowledge and skills.

Education stakeholders in the area led by Buuri MP Kinoti Gatobu appealed to the government through the commission to ensure the area
is designated as a hardship zone.