Governors in agreement with TSC over ECD teachers

By ROSELYNE OBALA

Nairobi, Kenya: Governors have downplayed any eminent clash with the Government over the planned recruitment of 24,000 nursery school teachers.

The county bosses instead welcomed the move by the Teachers Services Commission (TSC) to employ more Early Childhood Education (ECD) teachers, arguing that the Sh4.8 billion sought for the process is under the national government.

They noted that having more teachers in nursery schools would lay a strong foundation, which will enhance the quality of education at the counties.

Council of Governors (CoG) Chairman Isaac Ruto and Vice Chairman Evans Kidero said the planned hiring of ECD teachers would compliment that of the county governments and not impede the running of county affairs.

“Hiring more teachers means the pupils will get quality education. The teachers will have adequate time to attend to each pupil depending on their needs,” noted Mr Ruto.

He continued, “Those already employed by the counties will be called teaching assistants and they will work together with those by TSC.”

Working formula

Dr Kidero on his part explained that the county governments would be in consultations with TSC to ensure seamless absorption in the county schools. “We are going to agree on a working formula. Though this is a function of counties, we welcome the Government’s involvement,” said Kidero.

TSC has insisted that recruitment, promotions and remuneration of teachers is their role. The commission’s Secretary Gabriel Lengoiboni said he is ready to hire the teachers once he gets the funds to do so.

Even though the commission’s secretary indicated that developing a scheme of service is the first step towards the recruitment of nursery school teachers, counties are going ahead their recruitment exercise.

Scheme of service

TSC has developed a scheme of service for the teachers who will be posted to public schools and those at the lowest grade will earn Sh20,000.

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) wants TSC to gazette the scheme of service and immediately roll out a recruitment drive.

The governors could have protested if the planned recruitment by TSC was to be budgeted under the county allocation.

Separately, elections for the top leadership of the Council of Governors (CoG) set for toady has been postponed to next week.

The position up for contest is that of the chairman, vice chairman and secretary general presently held by Ruto, Kidero and Ken Lusaka (Bungoma).

The posts are held on a yearly basis, and already the contestants are lobbying their colleagues to retain their positions. Governors Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo/Marakwet) and Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu) has indicated that Ruto is irreplaceable as chair.

“He has played an important role in the first round and therefore, replacing him now, is out of question,” stated Mr Tolgos.

He added: “As governors, we are honourbale members and once we settle on an individual, the deal is as a good as done.”

Mr Mandago concurred with Tolgos, stating that they need Ruto’s leadership now.

The Standard has established that Ruto, had indicated his intention not to contest the seat, but no governor would hear of this.

Kidero and Lusaka have also confirmed that they will defend their positions. “It is a regulation that we have elections every year, and I am definitely defending my position,” said Kidero on phone.