TSC takes on Ruto’s education taskforce for taking away its mandate
Education reforms proposed by the Raphael Munavu team may face uncertainty due to strong opposition from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). The TSC is now seeking intervention from the National Assembly to invalidate some recommendations made by the task force on the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). They argue that these recommendations could infringe upon their constitutional responsibilities.
Nancy Macharia, the Chief Executive of TSC, expressed concern that the proposals by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER) undermine the commission’s authority and functions. TSC accuses the reform team of failing to consult with them on teacher management issues, which was required by State House.
One contentious recommendation objected to by TSC grants the Education Ministry the authority to establish guidelines for a mandatory one-year curriculum upgrading program for teachers who graduated before 2023. TSC argues this overlooks their ongoing teacher training initiatives. Additionally, it restricts job opportunities for teachers and modifies registration requirements for teachers.
TSC is also displeased with a recommendation that gives the ministry exclusive power to review entry requirements for pre-service teaching programs, as this could interfere with their constitutional duties. The suggested new entry grades for teachers are seen as incompatible with existing TSC registration requirements.
Another source of contention is the proposal to create a comprehensive school system, encompassing all levels of education from pre-primary 1 to grade 9 under one institution. TSC argues that this would expand their responsibilities into pre-primary education, leading to increased expenditure and budgetary provisions.
The TSC is open to assuming this responsibility only if county governments agree to transfer management of pre-primary teachers to them and if Parliament establishes a legal framework for comprehensive schools.
The reform team also recommends that TSC offer mandatory one-year internship programs for all education graduates upon completing pre-service training. However, TSC contends this would disrupt their existing internship policy and require additional funding.
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The PWPER suggests that TSC should collaborate with the ministry to harmonize teacher management guidelines, including deployment, promotions, and teacher welfare. TSC, however, insists on retaining control over teacher management strategies.
The proposal to replace the categorization of schools with career pathways is met with resistance from TSC, as it would require redistributing teachers based on competencies and potentially increasing the demand for teachers.
Another controversial recommendation is that admission requirements for the B. Ed degree should continue to be determined by universities’ Senates, potentially leading to non-standardized grading for teaching degrees.
Finally, the TSC objects to the reform team’s suggestion that quality assurance and standards should solely be the ministry’s responsibility, arguing that this would compromise their role as a regulator of the teaching service.
In summary, the TSC strongly opposes several recommendations by the PWPER, believing they would encroach on their constitutional duties and undermine their ability to manage the teaching service effectively.
TSC takes on Ruto’s education taskforce for taking away its mandate
