Uhuru picks Zetech University VC to head panel in replacement of TSC commissioners
By Seth Onyango, September 21, 2019
President Uhuru Kenyatta has appointed Zetech University Vice Chancellor Prof John Munene to head a nine-member panel to select three new Teachers Service Commission (TSC) commissioners to replace those whose terms have expired.
Other members of the panel include Solicitor General Kennedy Ogeto, Nura Mohamed, Hellen Ambasa, Francis Ng’ang’a, Margaret Kirai, Peter Ndoro, and Mount Kenya University Vice Chancellor Stanley Waudo.
TSC commissioners Cleophas Tirop, Salome Gichura and Saadia Abdi Kontoma’s terms ended last month after six years.
Their exit occasioned a lack of quorum, which means crucial tasks such as promotion of teachers and other staff members were suspended until a full team or at least three commissioners are appointed.
Disciplinary action against teachers has also been put on hold.
TSC secretary and chief executive Nancy Macharia’s term is also set to end next year. She will, however, be eligible for a second term of five years.
A fully constituted commission will be critical in the appointment of a new chief executive or renewal of a second term for the current boss, as stipulated in Section 16 of the TSC Act.
Section 8(1) of the TSC Act requires that whenever a vacancy arises in the commission, it shall, by notice in the Kenya Gazette, declare a vacancy and constitute a panel for the purpose of selecting suitable candidates for appointment as the chairperson or member of the commission.
The Act says the selection panel shall constitute a chairperson appointed by the President. Cabinet Secretaries in charge of Education and Public Service, as well as the Attorney General or representatives of the three officers, are also listed as members of the panel.
Federation of Kenya Employers will nominate one person, while teachers’ unions will nominate two people— one man and one woman— to the panel.
The Private Schools Association will also nominate one person and a prominent educationist appointed by the Education Cabinet Secretary will also sit in the selection panel.