The Education Cabinet Secretary, Ezekiel Machogu, has announced a significant initiative to alleviate the shortage of teachers in the country by employing an additional 20,000 educators.
This measure aims to enhance the teacher-student ratio and improve the educational landscape across the nation.
During a visit to Kolanya Girl’s National School in Bungoma County, Machogu emphasized the government’s dedication to addressing the pressing issue of teacher scarcity.
He stated, “So far since taking office, this government has employed a record 56,750 teachers and as a ministry, we have received additional money to employ 20,000 teachers this financial year.”
In response to concerns raised by Teso South Member of Parliament Mary Emase, who stressed the importance of teacher motivation in enhancing academic performance, Machogu reiterated the government’s commitment to uplifting the teaching profession.
Highlighting the severity of the shortage, the school principal at Kolanya Girl’s National School lamented having only 40 government-employed teachers against a target of over 65, as per Ministry of Education guidelines.
Despite the shortage, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has explored alternative avenues to utilize the surplus of educators.
TSC Director Legal Calvin Anyuor revealed discussions with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Labor and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to facilitate opportunities for teachers abroad.
Anyuor emphasized, “We have started engaging key stakeholders to export the teaching resource because we have a surplus of teachers in the country.”
The TSC, responsible for employing over 400,000 teachers, aims to recruit 46,000 teacher interns on permanent and pensionable terms by the following year.
These interns, currently completing their two-year contract program, represent a vital part of the commission’s strategy to address the educational workforce needs comprehensively.
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