KNUT Calls on TSC to Address Teacher Shortage in West Pokot County.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) is pressing the Teacher Service Commission (TSC) to tackle the severe teacher shortage in West Pokot County. KNUT leaders highlight the critical need for more educators, emphasizing a deficit of over 2,000 teachers in both primary and secondary schools in this marginalized region.
Martin Sembelo, West Pokot KNUT Secretary, has urgently called on the TSC to allocate additional teaching slots in the county’s current financial budget. He points out that while West Pokot has the resources to manage more teachers, effective strategies to combat unemployment are lacking.
West Pokot remains one of Kenya’s most marginalized counties since gaining independence in 1963. The union underscores the vital role of education in equalizing opportunities and modernizing the area. They stress that addressing the teacher shortage is essential for the region’s development.
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KNUT has raised alarms over increasing mental health issues among teachers in West Pokot. Many educators face significant stress, leading to severe outcomes such as suicide. High living costs and substantial salary deductions for loans and other expenses exacerbate these challenges. The union emphasizes that teachers’ pay does not adequately reflect their workload, contributing to their mental strain.
The executive secretary has also highlighted the necessity for placing Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers on permanent and pensionable terms. In addition, many JSS teachers currently work under temporary contracts, facing severe mental and motivational challenges. This instability adversely affects their performance and, ultimately, the students’ learning experiences.
KNUT concludes by urging the government to support underdeveloped counties like West Pokot. In addition they argue that providing the necessary resources and backing is crucial for these regions to achieve the development and educational standards seen in other parts of the country.
KNUT Calls on TSC to Address Teacher Shortage in West Pokot County.
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