MoE Reshuffles Sub-County Directors as it takes Over TSC
The Ministry of Education is reorganizing its sub-county directors, potentially signaling a move to assume some of the responsibilities currently held by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Several sub-counties have already seen changes, and these shifts are outlined in the report by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER), unveiled by President William Ruto on August 1, 2023.
These changes include:
1. Regulation of the Education Sector
The Taskforce recommends establishing a new regulatory body called the Kenya Professional Teaching Standards (KePTS) to separate the role of regulator from that of the employer, currently held by the TSC.
2. Quality Assurance
The Taskforce suggests eliminating duplication in quality assurance functions between the TSC and the Ministry of Education, proposing that the Ministry handle this role exclusively.
3. Accountability of Headteachers and Principals
The TSC’s role would shift to employment and deployment, with school heads becoming agents of the Ministry for institutional management and accountability.
4. Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and Teacher Training
The Ministry would take over responsibility for teacher retraining under the CBC, including payment of teacher allowances.
5. Teacher Transfers
The TSC would need approval from the Ministry of Education for teacher transfers.
6. Teacher Disciplinary Cases
An Education Appeals Tribunal would handle disciplinary matters and appeals instead of the TSC.
7. Teacher Promotions
The Taskforce recommends collaboration between the TSC and the Ministry in promoting teachers.
8. Health Insurance Cover
A review of the teachers’ health insurance scheme would be conducted jointly by the TSC and the Ministry.
9. Management of Information
Proposals include amending Section 42 (5) of the TSC Act to expand access to information and registering the TSC with the data commissioner.
10. Conduct of Commission Affairs
The quorum for Commission meetings would change from one-half of the members to two-thirds, as per the new report.
These changes are part of an effort to restructure the education sector in Kenya, as suggested by the Taskforce’s recommendations. Some may require legislative action or even a referendum for implementation.
MoE Reshuffles Sub-County Directors as it takes Over TSC
