TSC Faces Parliamentary Censure Over JSS Teacher Sackings.
The Teacher Service Commission (TSC) is currently under review for the dismissal of 7,357 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers across the country.
Samson Cherargei, the Nandi Senator, has led a backlash from Members of Parliament who have demanded that the commission reverse its decision or face parliamentary censure in response to the dismissal.
Cherargei urged the TSC to employ over 46,000 intern teachers on permanent and pensionable terms during an address to journalists at Parliament Buildings.
Cherargei contended that the termination of the 7,357 JSS teachers was excessively punitive and unacceptable.
Nancy Macharia, the CEO of TSC, would be recalled to Parliament next week to provide an explanation for the unpopular decision, he emphasized, if it is not reversed by the end of the week.
TSC acknowledged in a statement that it had terminated certain JSS teachers; however, it clarified that the number of teachers terminated was 742, not 7,357.
The teachers were terminated as a result of widespread demonstrations that called for permanent employment.
On May 22, the commission had sent show-cause letters to teachers who were protesting, mandating that they respond within two weeks. Out of the 10,348 teachers who received the letters, 9,606 responses were received.
The contracts of the remaining 742 teachers were terminated and they were replaced due to their failure to report to work or provide satisfactory responses.
Cherargei criticized TSC’s decision as unjust and a violation of human rights, emphasizing that these teachers had assiduously served despite the inadequate facilities and substandard working conditions.
He observed that the teachers had played a critical role in the development of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) education and were able to assist students across the country in adapting to the new program.
The Nandi Senator accused TSC of duplicity, noting that the teachers had already concluded their strike and were merely advocating for improved employment terms.
He observed that the blackmail and intimidation by TSC, County Education Directors, and school directors had resulted in demoralization, frustration, stress, and mental disturbances among JSS and intern teachers.
The termination letters, dated June 6, indicated that the teachers were dismissed for professional misconduct, and their internship engagements expired on June 6, 2024.
In Our Other News: TSC Clarifies Reports of Sacking 7,357 JSS Intern Teachers
The letters referenced the show-cause letters that were issued on May 22, 2024, and stated that the teachers had deserted duty as of May 13, 2024.
After conducting a thorough evaluation of the responses, TSC determined that certain ones were unsatisfactory, resulting in the termination of the teachers who were unable to adequately justify their absences.
TSC Faces Parliamentary Censure Over JSS Teacher Sackings.
