Senators demand probe into TSC teacher promotions

The Senate has launched a comprehensive investigation into the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) due to widespread allegations of unfair teacher promotions. 

This move aligns with concerns previously raised by Members of Parliament regarding the transparency and fairness of the promotion process.

In a debate, the Senate Education Committee, chaired by Senator Betty Montet, accused the commission of corruption and demanded a detailed explanation regarding the selection of 25,252 teachers for promotion nationwide. 

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka questioned whether the TSC had adhered to merit, fairness, and inclusivity principles. 

He stated, "The Education Committee must inquire and report to this House why long-serving teachers with higher academic qualifications and experienced graduates were either overlooked while younger teachers with fewer qualifications and less experience were promoted, and if so, what the justification for this was."

Onyonka also pressed the commission to clarify the distribution model, particularly questioning why densely populated counties with more teachers received disproportionately fewer promotions. 

The Senate's demand for answers comes amid growing discontent among MPs, who previously complained that the promotion exercise appeared biased, favoring certain regions over others. 

Senators are now voicing similar frustrations and pushing for a thorough investigation.

Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri did not hold back, accusing some TSC officials of soliciting bribes from teachers seeking career advancement.

 "In the just-concluded exercise, we have teachers who have been in service for over 17 years but were not promoted. On the other hand, we have teachers who have served for just one year and were promoted. How can that be explained?" Okenyuri asked.

Okenyuri went on to describe the TSC leadership as "corrupt to the core" and called for a complete overhaul to restore integrity within the commission.

Senators also demanded that the TSC clarify whether an appeal mechanism exists for aggrieved teachers and disclose the number of complaints lodged and resolved.

 They emphasized that handling these grievances transparently is crucial for restoring trust among teachers.

The committee is expected to summon TSC officials and demand explanations regarding how the promotion exercise was conducted and the measures being taken to address the ongoing issue of career stagnation. 

The widespread dissatisfaction among lawmakers indicates a significant crisis of confidence in the TSC’s management. 

Senators vowed to maintain pressure until the commission guarantees fairness, equity, and meritocracy in all future promotions.