Members of the National Assembly have taken the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to task over disparities in the classification of hardship allowances and the unequal distribution of teachers across the country.
In a session chaired by Education Committee Vice Chair Hon. Eve Obara, lawmakers demanded answers on how hardship areas are defined and the extent of TSC’s influence on the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) in shaping allowances.
Hon. Phylis Bartoo questioned whether the TSC merely implements SRC decisions without input. “Do you just accept information from SRC as gospel, or do you advise SRC on the actual conditions teachers face in different parts of Kenya?” she asked pointedly.
Hon. Christine Oduor added that many teachers in remote and underdeveloped areas face extremely harsh conditions, yet receive little to no recognition in hardship allowances. “The definition of hardship areas needs to be considered,” she said, noting the irony of some urban areas like Nairobi receiving higher allowances than rural schools without water or electricity.
Hon. Mumina Bonaya painted a grim picture from Isiolo County, where she said teachers often avoid rural postings due to poor infrastructure. “We have schools that have learners but not teachers,” she said, suggesting a review that clusters hardship areas according to actual challenges faced, to improve teacher retention.
Responding to the concerns, TSC Acting CEO Ms. Evaleen Mitei clarified that the commission only advises during collective bargaining, but SRC and the National Treasury make the final decisions. “Once TSC receives that advisory, it is binding,” she stated.
Lawmakers also raised concern over glaring imbalances in teacher distribution. Hon. Mary Emaase urged for a national audit to identify overstaffed and understaffed schools. “Wherever there is need, Parliament can budget for recruitment,” she added.
Hon. Obara echoed the frustration. “We have a policy on equal distribution of teachers, but the reality is very different,” she said. “Some schools are severely disadvantaged.”
On employment criteria, TSC emphasized that it remains a non-discriminatory employer guided by the Constitution. They noted that first-time appointments are prioritized within teachers’ home counties to improve retention.
Hon. Rebecca Tonkei drew attention to unemployed teachers over 45 years, demanding TSC provide relevant data. TSC confirmed that the age limit of 45 years was declared unconstitutional in 2020, and since then, teachers up to 59 years and 11 months are eligible for hiring. The commission also committed to analyzing data on unemployed older teachers.
The Education Committee now wants the TSC to work closely with the SRC and Public Service Commission (PSC) to review how municipalities and hardship zones are defined, ensuring policies reflect the lived realities of educators.
