TSC Recruitment Plagued by Tribalism and Political Interference
The recruitment of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has been marred by reports of tribalism and political interference. These issues surfaced during the document verification process, which started on October 11, 2024.
Throughout the verification process, incidents of tribalism were reported in several regions, particularly in the Western and Central parts of Kenya. In one instance, union officials, along with staff from a Member of Parliament’s office, attempted to block non-local candidates from participating in the recruitment exercise. These attempts to interfere with the process highlighted deep-rooted issues within the recruitment system.
Fortunately, TSC field officers quickly intervened, reminding union officials and politicians that the commission upholds fair practices. They emphasized that TSC operates as an equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate discrimination or favoritism based on tribe or political affiliation. In some cases, sub-county directors had to explain the recruitment procedures to politicians to ensure a clear understanding of the process.
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The verification exercise faced multiple delays due to dispute resolution mechanisms, causing recruitment activities to extend into the evening. In some cases, the process continued as late as 6:30 p.m. The recruitment teams, which included Sub-County Directors (SCDs), human resource officers, and curriculum support officers, worked long hours to ensure the recruitment process ran smoothly.
However, these officials worked under tough conditions. For example, in a center in Nyanza, staff worked without breaks, enduring the entire day without food, tea, or even water. Despite previous complaints from SCDs about unrealistic deadlines, there are no provisions for meals, transportation, or essential resources like stationery.
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Despite these challenging conditions, the recruitment process attracted a high turnout. Many job seekers flocked to recruitment centers, even though serving interns in both primary and JSS schools received priority. The large crowds caused chaotic scenes in some counties, forcing law enforcement officers to intervene and restore order.
The recruitment process also witnessed several unusual incidents. In Western Kenya, a group of teachers accidentally made noise near a courtroom, leading to their brief detention in court cells. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) office had to intervene to secure their release, allowing them to continue with the verification process.
In Nandi County, an elderly applicant arrived for verification, fully equipped with all the necessary documents, surprising the young teachers. This unexpected occurrence stirred the younger candidates.
The recruitment process, which began on October 11, 2024, officially ends today, October 17, 2024. On October 15, shortlisted candidates were called to their respective recruitment centers to fill out employment forms. Today, TSC officers will draft employment letters for successful candidates and send them to the respective schools by tomorrow.
The TSC recruitment process for Junior Secondary School teachers has faced numerous challenges, from tribalism and political interference to chaotic working conditions. Despite these obstacles, the commission continues its efforts to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process. However, these incidents underscore the need for improvements in the recruitment system to avoid such issues in future exercises.
TSC Recruitment Plagued by Tribalism and Political Interference.
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