MP Peter Kaluma endorses the distribution of TSC employment letters by Politicians
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma stated that the method of teacher employment is irrelevant, provided that all qualified educators receive job opportunities.
In reaction to President William Ruto’s Senior Economic Advisor, Moses Kuria, on X (formally Twitter), Kaluma contended that certain regions have faced marginalization in the hiring of teachers for many years.
“We call for the employment of all qualified teachers — I don’t mind how,” Kaluma posted.
Kuria had previously criticized politicians for openly handing out teacher employment forms at political rallies and funerals, labeling this trend as hazardous.
“There are numerous excellent ways to ruin a nation. However, the most conspicuous of late is the act of politicians showcasing teachers’ employment forms at public gatherings and funerals,” Kuria expressed in a statement made on Tuesday.
“It’s quite unfortunate, especially for us — the products of outstanding teachers. We have sunk this low, unfortunately. ”
In response, Kaluma accused certain politicians of having earlier encouraged tribalism within public service.
“You cannot expect professionalism from TSC after appointing all teachers from your area while making sure that educators from other areas retire without ever being employed,” he stated.
Concerns have surfaced recently regarding the method of distributing TSC recruitment letters, with accusations that some politicians have taken over the responsibilities of the Teachers Service Commission.
On April 20, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) denounced the suspected involvement of politicians in the recruitment process.
KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu asserted that experienced and deserving teachers have been unjustly excluded from opportunities due to political meddling.
While speaking at a press conference, Oyuu criticized the TSC for what he described as neglecting its responsibilities and ignoring qualified applicants.
“Never in the history of the Teachers Service Commission have we witnessed what is occurring now. The TSC must operate strictly within its designated role. The way some politicians are distributing employment forms leaves a lot to be desired,” he remarked.
Oyuu mentioned that numerous teachers who completed their training several years ago remain unemployed due to biased practices.
Earlier this month, TSC Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia refuted claims that employment letters were being given to politicians, referring to them as media speculation.
She asserted that the TSC has consistently followed appropriate recruitment protocols.
“I read this in the newspapers. It is tarnishing TSC’s reputation, yet we are responsible for recruiting teachers,” Macharia stated while appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Implementation, chaired by Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi (also known as Karemba).
“You have to be fair and compassionate. The concept of selecting a teacher who graduated in 2023 while disregarding one who completed training in 2010 raises more questions than it clarifies,” Muchangi added.