• The TSC boss also mentioned that to recognise teachers' hard work, the TSC is promoting 36,505 teachers to a higher grade, starting from Grade D 5.

Nancy Macharia, the CEO of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has shed light on the ongoing efforts of the Teachers Service Commission to review staffing levels and ensure equitable distribution of teachers across the country's educational institutions.

Speaking during the release of the 2023 KCSE results on January 8, 2024 in Eldoret, Macharia highlighted the commission's commitment to reviewing systems and staffing levels to ensure equitable distribution of teachers across the country, particularly in light of implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in primary and junior schools.

She also discussed the staffing shortages and steps being taken to address them.

Macharia emphasised that the TSC continuously evaluates staffing levels and distribution at primary and post-primary levels. She said the commission aims to ensure that teachers are fairly allocated to institutions as they prepare students for their final exams.

“The number of classes at the primary school level has been reduced by two classes (standard seven and eight). There is now an excess of 18,184 primary school staff. The TSC plans to redistribute these teachers to other schools to ensure all institutions are adequately staffed,” said Macharia.

Macharia pointed out that adding one class in Grade 8 for 2024 has created a staffing shortage of 42,117 junior school-level teachers. The current number of 56,928 teachers falls significantly short of the required 99,045 teachers.

However, Macharia assured that the government is progressively funding the TSC to recruit additional teachers to bridge this gap.

“In the upcoming financial year, the TSC has requested funds for an additional 20,000 teachers to address the staffing shortage,” she added.

The TSC boss also mentioned that to recognise teachers' hard work, the TSC is promoting 36,505 teachers to a higher grade, starting from Grade D 5.

Macharia highlighted that funding has been allocated for these promotions, demonstrating the commission's appreciation for the dedication and service of teachers.