TSC Sub-County Directors Petition for Improved Working Conditions.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Sub-County Directors (SCDs) have raised serious concerns regarding their working conditions. In a detailed petition to TSC CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia, the directors outlined numerous challenges hampering their ability to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. Through their welfare group leaders, they have requested a meeting with the CEO to address these pressing issues.
Key Challenges Affecting Sub-County Directors
- Insufficient Facilitation During Key Activities
One of the significant concerns raised by the SCDs is the lack of facilitation during crucial teacher recruitment and promotion exercises. For instance, during the November and December recruitment drives, directors faced logistical and financial constraints that made these activities unnecessarily challenging. Similarly, ongoing promotional interviews for teachers suffer from inadequate support, leaving SCDs struggling to manage these essential processes smoothly.
- Reimbursement for Retooling Expenses
The Junior Secondary School (JSS) retooling exercise conducted in December 2022 became a financial burden for SCDs. Directors had to use personal resources to ensure the process succeeded due to insufficient resource allocation from TSC. They now demand prompt reimbursement for these out-of-pocket expenses.
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- Disparities in Allowances
SCDs highlighted glaring inequalities in their allowances compared to those of teachers in the same job groups. For example, SCDs in Job Group D4 receive a hardship allowance of KSh27,000, while teachers in the same grade get KSh32,000—a KSh5,000 disparity. Similar differences exist in house and commuter allowances, further contributing to their dissatisfaction.
Other Workplace Challenges
- Job Stagnation and Career Growth
The directors expressed frustration over being stuck in the same job group for over a decade. Meanwhile, teachers under their supervision have received multiple promotions within the same timeframe. This stagnation has caused demoralization among SCDs and cast doubt on the effectiveness of the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG) implemented by TSC.
- Supervision of Higher-Ranked Principals
Overseeing principals in higher job groups remains a difficult task for many SCDs. This imbalance creates a strained working environment, where their authority is often undermined.
- Inadequate Operational Funding
Operational funding continues to be a significant concern for SCDs. Quarterly imprest allocations, such as a fuel allowance of KSh11,000 for three months, are deemed insufficient given rising living costs. Additionally, the sanitation allocation, currently set at KSh500 per quarter, is woefully inadequate for proper upkeep.
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- Unfulfilled Promises and the Call for Action
The TSC had previously pledged quarterly stipends to support the directors, but this commitment remains unfulfilled. The SCDs argue that without these stipends, delivering quality services becomes nearly impossible.
In their petition, the directors urged the Commission to urgently address these issues, ensuring they receive the necessary support and motivation to perform their roles effectively. They emphasized their readiness to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve these matters and improve service delivery.
Key Takeaways
- TSC Sub-County Directors face challenges such as insufficient facilitation, unequal allowances, and job stagnation.
- Operational funding issues and unfulfilled promises from TSC further hinder their effectiveness.
- The SCDs have called on CEO Nancy Macharia to address these concerns, highlighting their willingness to engage in dialogue for solutions.
By addressing these grievances, the TSC can enhance service delivery and foster a more motivated and empowered workforce.
TSC Sub-County Directors Petition for Improved Working Conditions.
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