Education Committee Engages TSC on Key Teacher Welfare and Policy Issues
The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education, led by Hon. Julius Melly (MP, Tinderet), held a high-level consultative forum with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in Nakuru County.
The meeting, co-chaired by Hon. Melly and TSC Chairperson Dr. Jamleck Muturi, focused on pressing issues affecting teachers and the education sector, including:
- The policy on intern teachers
- Budget implementation for FY 2024/2025
- Teacher promotions, deployment, and transfers
- Medical cover under the proposed Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme
Key Highlights from the TSC–Parliament Forum
1. Intern Teachers
The committee discussed frameworks for the recruitment, mentorship, and transition of intern teachers to permanent and pensionable (PnP) terms.
Concerns were raised about:
- Stipends and contract terms
- Protection against exploitation
- Benchmarking with international standards on induction and professional development
2. Teacher Registration and Staffing
- TSC reported that the registration process is now fully automated, with successful applicants receiving digital certificates online.
- Since 2022, 379,389 teachers have been registered, bringing the total number since 1967 to 989,964.
- Persistent teacher shortages in hardship areas and gaps in staffing remain a challenge.
3. Budget Implementation 2024/2025
The committee examined allocations for:
- Teacher recruitment and training
- Career progression and promotions
- Donor-funded capital projects
TSC acknowledged progress but highlighted funding gaps that hinder promotion and capacity-building programs.
4. Promotions, Transfers, and Career Progression
Lawmakers raised concerns about:
- Hardship postings straining families and communities
- Limited opportunities for promotion due to budget constraints
- Need for clarity on policies guiding the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG)
5. Medical Cover: SHA vs. AON/MINET
- Dr. Muturi emphasized that the Commission will not compromise on the quality of medical services for teachers.
- The current AON/MINET scheme provides wide coverage, including specialized consultations, dental and optical care, and chronic illness management.
- MPs proposed a premium SHA package tailored to teachers’ needs to balance access and quality.
6. Other Challenges Highlighted by TSC
- Delayed exchequer disbursements
- Inadequate teacher numbers and underfunded promotions
- Insecurity in some regions
- Limited resources for training teachers on the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum
- Weak insurance protection and gaps in field operations
7. Disciplinary Issues
The committee also questioned TSC on its disciplinary processes, especially regarding teachers acquitted in court but seeking readmission.
- Dr. Muturi clarified that TSC applies professional codes of conduct to uphold accountability, even in cases where criminal thresholds are not met.
Voices from Parliament
- Hon. Julius Melly emphasized collaboration:
“This meeting is vital as it brings together the mind of the Commission and the mind of Parliament to develop policies that improve access, quality, and equity in education.”
- Hon. Joseph Makilap (Baringo North MP) proposed a customized SHA medical package to ensure teachers receive quality healthcare.
- Hon. Eve Obara (Kabondo Kasipul MP, Vice Chairperson) urged TSC to adopt affirmative action in teacher recruitment to benefit disadvantaged regions and groups.
The Education Committee and TSC forum addressed critical issues including intern teacher policies, budget gaps, promotions, transfers, medical cover, and teacher welfare. While progress has been made in digitization and teacher registration, challenges in funding, staffing, and equitable distribution remain.
