TSC Creates Rift with Education Ministry, Seeks Expanded Powers
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is suggesting revisions to its governing law, aiming to enhance its authority, potentially intensifying the conflict with the Ministry of Education.
In a proposal to amend the Teachers Service Commission Act, which serves as the supreme law governing teacher employment, the TSC seeks increased regulatory control over teachers and their continuous professional development (CPD).
ALSO READ: TSC Bans and Deregisters 23 Teachers, Issues Warning to Employers
The proposed amendment includes a provision stating that the commission shall possess the power to review its decisions independently and regulate its own practices and procedures during the performance of its functions.
This stands in stark contrast to the recommendations of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms, advocating for the transfer of such responsibilities from the TSC to a new entity, the Kenya Professional Teaching Standards (KePTS).
This move by the TSC to broaden its mandate to ensure professional teaching standards may lead to a duplication of duties if both the amendment and the proposals of the presidential working party are approved.
Last week, TSC Chief Executive Nancy Macharia urged the public to submit their feedback on the proposed legal changes. Dr. Macharia emphasized the necessity of aligning the law with national policy and legislative changes that have occurred since its enactment 12 years ago.
According to the proposed amendment, the TSC aims to retain the authority to provide capacity-building programs and training for in-service teachers.
ALSO READ: TSC Continues Housing Levy Deduction from Teachers Paychecks Despite Court Order
It also requires teachers to continue their continuous professional development and obtain a practicing certificate, contrary to the recommendation of the Presidential Working Party that suggested transferring this mandate to the Ministry of Education.
Furthermore, the TSC seeks powers to address matters concerning the character and conduct of individuals without adhering to strict rules of evidence.
This proposal follows tensions between the Ministry of Education and the TSC, including disagreements over the withdrawal of teachers from St Gabriel Isongo Secondary Schools.
Additional changes proposed by the TSC involve the appointment of the commission’s top leadership. The amendment stipulates that at least two-thirds of those in leadership roles at the TSC must be teachers, educators, or have experience in education.
In the event of a vacancy in the position of TSC Chairperson, the proposed changes require the President to appoint a selection panel within 14 days.
ALSO READ: 17,450 Teachers to Wait Until 2025 for Promotions, Says TSC
The panel will then review applications, shortlist candidates, publish names in newspapers, conduct interviews, and submit three successful candidates to the President for consideration and approval by Parliament.
TSC Creates Rift with Education Ministry, Seeks Expanded Powers