Controversy Erupts as State House Accused of Taking Over Teacher Recruitment.
There is growing outrage in Kenya as claims surface that the State House has allegedly taken over the role of hiring teachers by issuing appointment letters directly to members of parliament. Politicians and education stakeholders have condemned this move, accusing President William Ruto of using the recruitment process for political gains, particularly in the central region.
According to Kenya’s Basic Education Act of 2013, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is the sole authority empowered to hire and fire teachers. The recent allegations have sparked public concern, with critics arguing that the State House’s involvement undermines the TSC’s mandate and risks politicizing the recruitment process. Many have questioned the transparency of the appointments and demanded an investigation into the matter.
The Kenya Kwanza administration, led by President Ruto, had pledged in its manifesto to employ 116,000 teachers within two years of assuming power. So far, the government has hired 56,000 permanent teachers and 20,000 intern teachers, falling short of the country’s requirement. Despite these efforts, the controversy over the recruitment process has overshadowed the administration’s progress in addressing the teacher shortage.
The TSC has been actively working to stabilize the teaching workforce. Recently, it transitioned 46,000 intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms, a move aimed at improving job security and morale among educators. However, the State House’s alleged intervention has raised concerns about whether future recruitments will adhere to the legal framework and merit-based selection criteria.
Education stakeholders and opposition leaders have called for accountability and adherence to the law. They argue that bypassing the TSC could lead to nepotism and undermine efforts to professionalize the teaching workforce. The controversy has also reignited debates about the need for greater transparency in public sector recruitment processes.
As the debate continues, the government faces pressure to clarify its role in teacher recruitment and ensure compliance with the Basic Education Act. The outcome of this controversy will likely shape public trust in the administration’s commitment to education reforms and equitable resource allocation.