MP Peter Kaluma endorses the distribution of TSC employment letters by politicians.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma stated that it is irrelevant how teachers are hired, as long as all eligible educators secure employment.
In response to President William Ruto’s Senior Economic Advisor, Moses Kuria, on X (formerly Twitter), Kaluma contended that certain regions have experienced marginalization in teacher recruitment for many years.
“We insist that all qualified teachers be hired — I don’t mind how,” Kaluma expressed.
Kuria had previously criticized politicians for handing out teacher employment forms at events and funerals, labeling the behavior a perilous trend.
“There are numerous brilliant ideas on how to ruin a nation. However, the most prominent in recent times is politicians displaying teachers’ employment forms at public events and funerals,” Kuria remarked in a statement on Tuesday.
“It’s truly unfortunate, especially for us — the beneficiaries of excellent teachers. We have unfortunately fallen to such depths. ”
In reply, Kaluma accused some politicians of having earlier advocated for tribalism in public service.
“You cannot expect professionalism from TSC after hiring all teachers from your area while ensuring that teachers from various regions retire without ever being employed,” he stated.
Recent concerns have surfaced regarding the way TSC recruitment letters are disseminated, with accusations that certain politicians have usurped the responsibilities of the Teachers Service Commission.
On April 20, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) condemned the suspected involvement of politicians in the hiring process.
KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu asserted that dedicated and long-serving teachers have been unjustly excluded from opportunities due to political meddling.
During a press conference, Oyuu denounced the TSC for what he characterized as neglecting its mandate and overlooking qualified candidates.
“Never in the history of the Teachers Service Commission have we witnessed what is currently happening. The TSC must function strictly within its mandate. The manner in which some politicians are distributing employment forms is highly concerning,” he stated.
Oyuu further indicated that numerous teachers who completed their training years ago remain unemployed due to discriminatory practices.
Earlier this month, TSC Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia dismissed rumors that employment letters were being given to politicians, describing them as media speculation.
She assured that TSC has consistently abided by appropriate recruitment protocols.
“I saw this in the newspapers. It is damaging TSC’s reputation, yet we are the ones responsible for recruiting teachers,” Macharia said while appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Implementation, presided over by Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi (also known as Karemba).
“You must be equitable and compassionate. The notion of selecting a teacher who graduated college in 2023 while disregarding one who completed their training in 2010 raises more questions than it resolves,” Muchangi remarked.
