Teachers must sign contracts, says PSC
Public Service Commission Chairperson Margaret Kobia addresses the media outside the Supreme Court on February 3, 2016. Prof Kobia argued that teachers are like all other civil servants who must be ready to be appraised. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Prof Kobia said the commission supports annual performance contracting in the public service, including the one proposed for teachers, as an accountability mechanism.
- She said it was the task of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to sit down with teachers and agree on the modes of performance contracts that can apply.
The Public Service Commission has opened a potential war front with teachers’ unions after its boss insisted that tutors should sign performance contracts.
PSC Chairperson Margaret Kobia argued that teachers are like all other civil servants who must be ready to be appraised.
Prof Kobia said the commission supports annual performance contracting in the public service, including the one proposed for teachers, as an accountability mechanism.
She said it was the task of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to sit down with teachers and agree on the modes of performance contracts that can apply.
“Each head of institution freely negotiates the targets they can achieve within resources and environment at their disposal,” said Prof Kobia in a statement.
In an apparent reference to the Kenya National Union of Teachers’ stiff opposition to signing of contracts, Prof Kobia said changes in the public service should be embraced.
“Those resisting need to take time to understand the reform and manage the change,” she said.
The remarks come at a time Knut is asking teachers not to participate in the appraisal that is being undertaken by their employer — the TSC.
The TSC wants more than 298,000 teachers to sign performance contracts, which will be used as a tool in assigning, training and promoting them.
Knut Secretary-General Wilson Sossion has, however, asked teachers not to participate in the appraisals.
He has said the appraisal should only be done after the matter has been discussed by the Committee on Terms and Conditions of Service for Teachers.
