Wamuzi News Ke
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has admitted it cannot afford to permanently hire more than 20,000 intern teachers—leaving their futures hanging in the balance. The reason?
A staggering Sh3.5 billion budget shortfall. Speaking before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Education, TSC Director of Finance Cheptumo Ayabei dropped the unsettling news: these teachers will remain stuck in temporary positions for up to two more years—despite a court order mandating their confirmation within a year of hiring.
“There’s simply no money,” Ayabei stated bluntly. “We’re forced to keep them as interns until at least December 2025.”Lawmakers Erupt—Fury Over Broken Promises and Budget Gaps MPs didn’t hold back.
Baringo North MP Benjamin Makilap slammed the commission’s decision to recruit new interns while the current batch is left in limbo.“You can’t keep hiring new interns while thousands wait in vain to be confirmed,” Makilap fumed.
“This is unacceptable.”To add insult to injury, the Commission is now facing a fresh financial crisis—a Sh5.71 billion funding gap for the next financial year, threatening the implementation of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and medical coverage for teachers.
Age Discrimination Exposed: Senior Teachers Left Out Another major scandal brewing is the systematic exclusion of teachers over the age of 45. Despite their qualifications and nearing retirement, many are still jobless.
Lawmakers called out the TSC for what they labeled as age-based discrimination.“It’s a tragedy,” said Teso South MP Mary Emase. “Qualified teachers are growing old waiting for jobs that never come.”
Education Committee Chair Julius Melly echoed the frustration: “Why deny a teacher employment just because they’re 45? This policy is unjust and cruel.”
Luanda MP Dick Maungu went further, suggesting the Commission set a minimum age to protect older educators who are consistently left behind.No Plan, No Funds, No Hope?
As pressure mounts, the TSC insists its hands are tied without money. “Everything depends on Treasury support.
Without it, we’re stuck,” Ayabei stressed.Cavin Anyuor, TSC’s Director for Legal Affairs, confirmed the upcoming CBA—meant to take effect in July 2025—is also at risk due to Treasury silence.
With the education system in turmoil, and thousands of qualified teachers stranded, Kenya now faces a major staffing and morale crisis in its classrooms.
