TSC Promotion Of Acting School Heads. Following the government’s commitment of Sh1 billion for teacher promotions, at least 3,300 school heads and deputies now serving in acting capacities are scheduled to be confirmed to their positions beginning in January.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) have decided to use the money to cover important administrative positions in elementary and secondary schools.
Following years of union pressure for more financing through Parliament to address the stagnation of teachers in the same job categories, this decision was made. Many educators have worked in acting capacities for far longer than the legally required six months, which has alarmed Knut Secretary-General Collins Oyuu.
We have school heads and deputies who have been acting for over three years. These individuals must be prioritised,” said Oyuu.
The plan, agreed upon during a week-long meeting in Naivasha between TSC and KNUT, seeks to address a leadership crisis in 3,359 schools. Data from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms indicates that 1,918 primary schools lack headteachers, while 1,441 secondary schools are without principals.
TSC Promotion Of Acting School Heads
Initially, the TSC had proposed special duty allowances for acting school heads and deputies as compensation for their additional responsibilities. In January, the commission informed Parliament’s Education Committee that negotiations with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) were complete and budgetary provisions for the allowance were being explored.
However, the new development prioritises substantive appointments over allowances.
While appearing before Parliament, TSC chief executive Dr Nancy Macharia attributed the reliance on acting school heads to a shortage of qualified teachers for leadership positions.
“Teachers are only deployed on acting capacity where the commission lacks qualified teachers with the requisite grade and experience for substantive appointment,” said Macharia, who indicated that the registration of new schools has been a major challenge, resulting in a leadership conundrum in schools.