Why MP is proposing part-time terms for TSC leaders

MP proposes part-time terms for TSC leaders 

Proposal aims to save taxpayers millions through part-time TSC roles. 

Teachers to have fair representation on the Commission under Bill. 

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

A new legislative proposal has been introduced in Parliament seeking to change the terms of service for the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) chairperson and commissioners, potentially saving taxpayers millions of shillings. 

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, who sponsored the Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposes amending the TSC Act, Cap 212, to shift the chairperson and commissioners from full-time to part-time positions. He said the change could save Kenyans about Sh70 million annually if implemented. 

Barasa defended the Bill before the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee yesterday, noting that it also seeks to amend Section 6(3) of the Principal Act. This amendment would ensure that primary and secondary school teachers, as well as those at the tertiary level, are eligible for nomination to the Commission by the President. 

“There is a lot of interference in the work of the Secretariat, which has a team of competent staff. The Commissioners do not need to sit from Monday to Thursday, January to December. We must look at how the TSC is constituted. Through this Bill, I am proposing that primary school teachers elect someone to represent them on the Commission and the same applies for secondary school teachers, lecturers and TVET instructors, to ensure fairness in the management of teachers,” he told the committee. 

He added: “We want to serve our teachers with dignity and this can only be achieved if their leaders are properly represented on the Commission. Parliament would be unfair if we do not enact this law. Let us not trivialize the work that the TSC does.” 

Barasa further stated: “It is estimated that an expenditure reduction of Sh71.6 million will be realized in year one if the terms of service for TSC members are converted from full-time to part-time upon enactment of this legislative proposal. 

The savings are expected to rise to Sh75.2 million in year two and Sh78.9 million in year three.” 

According to Barasa, Commissioners in Constitutional Commissions are appointed based on the qualifications and procedures outlined in their respective Acts and are typically expected to serve on a full-time basis 

He said he will also propose similar changes to other commissions, such as the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). 

This means that, if enacted, only the TSC will have Commissioners serving on a part-time basis. Barasa emphasised that the proposal could help adjust expenditures related to the Commission’s operations 

Under the TSC Act, the Commission is mandated to manage teaching resources in the education sector. These resources include primary and secondary school teachers, as well as tutors in Teachers Training Colleges (TTCs) estimated at around 400,000. 

Article 237 outlines the Commission’s functions, including registering, recruiting, assigning, promoting, transferring, disciplining, and reviewing teacher standards. 

The committee said it will review the proposals before deciding on the way forward.