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The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has commenced another phase of deploying Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers in a bid to address existing shortage.

In a notice posted on its social media platform yesterday, TSC called on those who wish to be deployed to send in their requests by March 18, emphasing that only teachers serving under permanent and pensionable terms in public schools and meet requisite qualifications should apply. This came as the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) said they have been receiving complaints raised by teachers who feel they are being denied critical gains in their careers.

Knut, led by Secretary General Collins Oyuu (pictured), told the National Assembly Committee on Education that TSC exclusively holds exact data on teacher employment, career progression, promotion, upgrading and remuneration based on professional mobility and budgetary allocations.  According to Oyuu, the JSS teachers have a different entry grade from those employed afresh.

During the session, Knut found itself on the receiving end after Education Committee, led by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, questioned the union leaders of their commitment to advance teachers’ interests.

The MPs said the union leaders did not conclusively respond to questions as they were expected after they stated that it was not possible to get data held by TSC.

“It is unfortunate for you to come here and tell us that TSC is the custodian of all teachers’ records,” Melly stated.