A recent audit by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has brought to light significant disparities in the distribution of teaching jobs, with seven specific communities securing the lion’s share of opportunities. The Kalenjin, Luhya, Kikuyu, Kamba, Luo, Kisii, and Meru communities collectively obtained nearly 90% of the 20,990 teaching positions awarded in the previous year. This uneven distribution has sparked concerns about the fairness and inclusivity of the recruitment process.
Dominance of Seven Communities:
Out of the total teaching positions available, the aforementioned communities claimed 18,580 jobs, representing 88.5% of the opportunities. The Kalenjin community led with 4,040 positions, followed by the Luhya community with 3,187. The Kikuyu, Luo, Kisii, and Meru communities also secured significant numbers, raising questions about the representation of smaller communities in the recruitment process.
Challenges for Smaller Communities:
In contrast, some smaller communities found themselves without a single teaching position, highlighting the challenges faced by these groups in accessing educational employment opportunities. The stark contrast in job distribution has brought attention to the need for a more equitable and inclusive approach in the recruitment process.
Efforts Towards Inclusivity:
During a Senate Committee hearing on National Cohesion and Regional Integration, TSC Chief Executive Nancy Macharia revealed that individuals with disabilities were allocated 229 teaching positions. However, concerns persist about the broader representation of various communities in the teaching profession.
Distribution Patterns and Senate Committee Response:
The report detailed the distribution of teaching jobs among different communities, with varying numbers assigned to each. The Senate Committee emphasized the importance of transparent and equal distribution across all counties to ensure representation for all communities. Dr. Macharia defended the distribution strategy, linking it to the availability of classes in each sub-county.
Addressing Teacher Shortages:
Dr. Macharia acknowledged a significant shortage of teachers in the country, amounting to 111,870, with 47,329 needed for primary schools and 64,541 for secondary schools. The deficit requires a budget of Sh74 billion, prompting the TSC’s plan to employ an additional 20,000 teachers in the upcoming financial year.
