Ministry of Education Scraps TSC Powers, Reshuffles Sub-County Directors
The education landscape in Kenya is currently experiencing a significant transformation. The Ministry of Education is preparing to assume a range of responsibilities previously held by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). These changes stem from the recommendations outlined in the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER) report, which President William Ruto unveiled on August 1, 2023. It’s important to note that many of these alterations may necessitate parliamentary approval or even a referendum.
The areas of focus for this overhaul encompass various aspects of the education system. Firstly, there will be a shift in education regulation. A new regulatory body, the Kenya Professional Teaching Standards (KePTS), will be established to separate the functions of regulation from employment.
Quality assurance is another key area set for adjustment. The proposal suggests that the Ministry of Education will exclusively handle quality assurance, thereby eliminating duplication between the TSC and the Ministry.
Accountability for school headteachers is also part of the plan. The TSC will concentrate on employment and deployment matters, while school heads will be directly accountable to the Ministry.
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In the context of the competency-based curriculum (CBC) and related allowances, the Ministry will take over teacher retraining. This change aims to streamline these processes.
When it comes to teacher transfers, decisions will require joint approval from both the TSC and the Ministry, marking a significant shift in this aspect of teacher management.
Disciplinary matters involving teachers will no longer be overseen by the TSC. Instead, an Education Appeals Tribunal will be responsible for handling such cases.
The process of teacher promotions will see collaboration between the TSC and the Ministry, ensuring a more integrated approach to career progression.
Health insurance for teachers will also undergo review, with both the TSC and the Ministry playing a role in this assessment.
Lastly, information management will be addressed through changes such as the deletion of Section 42 (5) of the TSC Act and the registration of the Commission under the Data Protection Act. Furthermore, the quorum for Commission meetings will shift from half to two-thirds of its members.
These changes represent a comprehensive reorganization of the education sector in Kenya, and their impact on the country’s educational system will be closely observed in the coming years.
Ministry of Education Scraps TSC Powers, Reshuffles Sub-County Directors
