Wilson Sossion is set to make a return to the national education leadership after MPs approved his appointment to the Teachers Service Commission alongside Antonina Lentoijoni, ending the parliamentary process that had been triggered by President William Ruto’s nominations.
The National Assembly endorsed the two nominees on Wednesday, after the Education Committee backed their appointments following their appearance before the committee on August 20.
The approval came after MPs examined their professional backgrounds and questioned them on some of the major issues affecting teachers, including promotions, welfare, staffing levels and the working relationship between the TSC and the Ministry of Education.
Ruto had nominated Sossion and Lentoijoni to fill vacant positions at the commission following a period when the TSC had fewer members than required.
The nominations had, however, encountered a legal challenge, with the High Court initially issuing orders stopping Parliament from vetting the two candidates.
"A Conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the 2nd respondent, whether by itself, its Committees, officers, servants or agents, from considering, vetting or approving the nomination of the 5th and 6th respondents as Commissioners of the Teachers Service Commission pursuant to Notification of Presidential Action No XI of 2026 pending the hearing and determination of this application," the notice stated in part.
The restrictions were later lifted by the court, allowing the Education Committee to proceed with the vetting and make its recommendations to the House.
Sossion, who previously served as KNUT Secretary General and was also a nominated MP, faced questions on how he would use his experience to improve the work of the commission.
He told MPs that the knowledge and experience he had gained over the years would help him contribute to the effective discharge of the TSC’s mandate if appointed.
The committee also sought his views on the relationship between the Ministry of Education and the commission, particularly on how the responsibilities of the two bodies could be aligned.
Teacher advancement and welfare also featured prominently during his vetting, with MPs asking how he would respond to concerns raised by teachers over promotions.
Sossion said teachers who meet the requirements should be promoted through the commission.
"He added that the Commission would also come up with a system of rewarding teachers in recognition of their contribution to the education sector," the National Assembly said in a statement.
He further committed to helping build a teaching workforce that is both professional and motivated.
"In his closing remarks, Hon. Sossion promised that, if approved, he would work hard to ensure that Kenya maintains an ethical and motivated teaching workforce," the statement added.
Lentoijoni, who has spent 28 years in the teaching service, also faced questions on the challenges affecting educators.
She told MPs that her career included nine years as a classroom teacher and nearly 18 years at the TSC, giving her experience in both classroom teaching and administration.
One of the concerns raised during her vetting was the stagnation of teachers in their careers.
"On the issue raised by Members on teacher stagnation, Ms. Lentoijoni noted that the first Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) saw all teachers promoted after KES 54 billion was allocated in 2017 to oversee the promotion process," the statement further read.
Lentoijoni also proposed taking mental health support closer to teachers by expanding existing programmes beyond the current level.
"She further noted that, if approved, she would champion the expansion of mental health programmes to the county level to ensure that all teachers receive the mental health assistance they need," the statement noted.
MPs also raised concerns about teachers’ files allegedly going missing after retirement and the shortage of teachers despite continued recruitment.
Lentoijoni linked the staffing gap to limited funds available for recruitment and the introduction of Junior Secondary School in primary schools, which has created additional demand for teachers.
She assured MPs that she would approach the position with commitment and focus on finding solutions to the difficulties facing educators.
"In her closing remarks, Ms. Lentoijoni pledged that if approved, she would take up the new position with the seriousness it deserves and work towards addressing the challenges facing teachers," the statement added.