TSC Fights to Retain Power as Even Machogu Defends Education
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has defended the proposed education reforms put forth by the presidential working group. These reforms have generated debate and concern among different stakeholders, including members of Congress and educators.
During World Teachers Day celebrations, President William Ruto’s education reform proposals, which include plans to reduce the authority of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), were a focal point of discussion.
Some stakeholders have called for a reevaluation of specific aspects of the reform report. Benta Opande, CEO of the Kenya Women Teachers Association (Kewota), emphasized the historical context of TSC’s creation, which emerged from a strike and concerns of certain members of the Kenya National Union of Teachers. Kewota voiced their support for TSC and opposed any reduction in its powers, citing potential negative impacts on progress made in the teaching profession, including gender equality in employment.
James Torome, Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers, also expressed reservations about reducing TSC’s powers, highlighting the commission’s role in ensuring fair teacher promotions.
However, despite these concerns, Machogu reaffirmed his commitment to the reforms, indicating that the implementation process was underway. He assured that necessary legal amendments would align with the recommendations before final adoption, and a committee had been established to oversee the process and draft legislation for submission to Parliament.
In response to MPs’ inquiries about the reforms, Machogu clarified that the Ministry of Education, not TSC, is responsible for establishing entry requirements for teaching colleges. He defended the changes in entry requirements, which had led to a significant increase in the number of trainees.
Regarding the reduction in the number of subjects taught in schools, Machogu explained that it was a response to concerns of curriculum overflow. He stated that the rationalization of learning areas would be completed by December 31, 2023, with implementation beginning in January 2024.
Despite opposition from certain quarters, Machogu defended the decision to reduce the number of subjects at the junior school level, citing precedents in previous curriculum changes.
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Additionally, he approved changes to the grading of KCSE examinations, emphasizing that such modifications had occurred in the past to address various issues in the education system.
TSC Fights to Retain Power as Even Machogu Defends Education
