Naivasha MP Jane Kihara Criticizes TSC Over Alleged Bias in JSS Teacher Recruitment
Naivasha Member of Parliament (MP) Jane Kihara has strongly criticized the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) over alleged irregularities in the ongoing recruitment of 20,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers.
Kihara has accused the recruitment process of being skewed in favor of pro-government legislators, claiming that it lacks fairness and transparency. Her concerns arise amid reports that at least 3,000 employment letters have been distributed to politicians, primarily Members of Parliament.
The MP has called for an immediate suspension of the exercise and a thorough investigation into the alleged favoritism. She argues that the current process is politically motivated, with some constituencies benefiting disproportionately while others are sidelined.
Kihara further expressed concerns that qualified teachers who have met the required academic standards might miss out due to the biased allocation of opportunities. She highlighted that the issue dates back to last year when pro-government MPs were allegedly given employment forms to distribute within their constituencies, leaving out those perceived to support former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“It is widely known that employment forms are being handed to MPs aligned with the President, which is unfair to teachers. This must stop to ensure an equitable hiring process,” Kihara stated.
Speaking at Naivasha Day Secondary School during the presentation of a new school bus, Kihara voiced broader concerns about the deteriorating state of the education sector. She pointed to rampant corruption and inadequate funding as major challenges facing schools.
She warned that many schools were struggling to accommodate incoming Grade 9 students due to the government’s failure to provide the necessary funds for JSS classrooms.
“The lack of capitation funds has left schools struggling to function, and without urgent intervention, students could miss out on critical learning opportunities,” she added.
Kihara also criticized the recently introduced university funding model, arguing that it has disproportionately affected students from low-income families. She noted that many deserving students were unable to secure financial aid, plunging families into financial distress.
“The controversial university funding model has left many bright students without access to higher education, exacerbating the challenges faced by poor families,” she lamented.
School Leadership Praises Academic Progress
During the event, Naivasha Day Secondary School Principal, Amos Gamba, reported significant growth in student enrollment, rising from 800 to 1,500 in the past five years. He expressed optimism that the newly acquired school bus would further motivate students and enhance academic performance.
School chairman Joseph Kibuta acknowledged that parents had long desired a school bus but were unable to afford one due to economic challenges. He praised the support received from the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), which had made the acquisition possible.
“This school serves hundreds of students from underprivileged backgrounds, and this assistance from NG-CDF has been a game-changer,” Kibuta said.
