Thousands of teachers waiting for promotions, employment and compensation for acting roles will have to wait longer after the Teachers Service Commission told senators that inadequate funding continues to slow key staffing and welfare programmes across the education sector.
The commission appeared before the Senate to respond to concerns over teacher recruitment, promotions, retirement benefits, acting appointments and leadership succession in schools, with Acting Chief Executive Officer Eveleen Mitei saying limited budget allocations have affected the commission's ability to meet growing demands from teachers.
The discussion opened with concerns over teachers who have been assigned leadership responsibilities in acting capacities without receiving additional pay.
Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma argued that teachers performing extra duties should receive compensation, saying the issue is closely linked to labour rights and fair treatment in the workplace.
"The petition raises key human rights concerns. If we are looking at the expected labour rights, what comes with acting in terms of compensation for the responsibility in acting. What arrangements does TSC have to actually compensate persons given the responsibility to act?"
Attention then shifted to the shortage of teachers in public schools, with Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu questioning what the commission was doing to secure more funding to employ trained teachers and promote those already in service.
"What is the commission doing about sourcing enough funds to employee, promote the teachers? There are many teachers outside trained and they have not been employed even from way back in 2016."
Kavindu also sought an explanation over delays in paying teachers who have retired from service, asking how long former teachers are expected to wait before receiving their benefits.
"How long does it take to pay those retired teachers who have not received their dues? What happens and what is the commission doing on this?"
Lawmakers also sought the commission's position on ensuring equal access to education, with Mumma asking whether TSC had considered additional interventions to support learners in vulnerable and rural areas.
"Every child should be facilitated to access education. Has the TSC ever considered supporting vulnerable pupils and students from especially rural schools?"
The commission's legal lead told senators that affirmative action remains part of its policy framework and has been strengthened over time.
"As a policy statement, you will find that it's emphasized in our policies. We have amplified the issue."
Addressing concerns over acting appointments, Mitei agreed that teachers taking on additional responsibilities deserve compensation, but maintained that financial limitations continue to stand in the way.
"All teachers are and should be compensated, but our hands are always tight because of Budget constraints."
Senators further questioned how schools continue operating when principals or headteachers leave office before substantive replacements are appointed.
The commission explained that succession planning is already built into its human resource policies to ensure schools continue running smoothly during leadership changes.
"The commission framework for planning teachers' succession is incorporated in the career progression guidelines as well as the policy on appointment."
Mitei said the approach is meant to preserve stability in learning institutions while preparing teachers to assume leadership positions as vacancies arise.
"This action and policy are aimed at maintaining leadership continuity, developing a sustainable talent pipeline and sustaining high-quality education services."
She added that teachers are guided through a structured career progression system that provides opportunities for growth based on merit, competence, performance and experience.
"In particular, the commission encourages effective succession planning by implementing a structured career progression by providing clear pathways for teachers through the teaching service based on merit, competence, performance and experience."
Mitei also disclosed that the commission is reviewing its Career Progression Guidelines to improve career advancement for both classroom teachers and those serving in institutional leadership.
"The commission is currently reviewing the career progression guidelines, and we are reviewing this year establishing probation pathways for both institutional and classroom teachers."
The session closed with senators maintaining pressure on the commission to improve teacher welfare and address staffing shortages, while TSC reiterated that additional funding will be necessary to speed up recruitment, promotions and compensation for teachers serving in acting positions.