Graduate Teachers Decry TSC Registration Delays and Lengthy Internships

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Age and Job Group Eligibility: Key Requirements for TSC Promotions — Graduate Teachers Decry TSC Registration Delays and Lengthy Internships.
Current CEO of TSC . PHOTO/TSC (X)

Graduate teachers in Kenya are voicing frustrations over delays in obtaining their TSC registration numbers, a critical requirement for employment. The prolonged wait has left many unemployed, while others remain stuck in internship positions for extended periods, raising concerns about financial and professional stability.

Delays in TSC Registration

Newly trained teachers report that their TSC numbers are taking too long to be processed, preventing them from securing permanent employment. Many are left in limbo despite having completed their training and meeting all necessary requirements.

Internship Challenges

The situation is even more frustrating for teachers on internship contracts. While internships are meant to offer experience before permanent employment, graduate teachers argue that the current setup is exploitative and demoralizing.

1. Low Pay That Is Further Deducted by HELB

Intern teachers earn a monthly stipend of Ksh 20,000 for secondary schools and Ksh 15,000 for primary schools. However, for many, this amount is not even enough to sustain them due to deductions. The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) automatically deducts loan repayments from their earnings, significantly reducing their take-home pay. Some teachers have been left with as little as Ksh 13,000 per month, making it difficult to afford rent, transport, and other basic needs.

2. Harsh Treatment by Heads of Institutions

Many interns complain about mistreatment by school administrators, who allegedly see them as disposable labor. Some heads of institutions overload them with work, assigning them more lessons than their permanently employed colleagues while offering them little to no support. Others deny them opportunities for professional growth, leaving them feeling undervalued.

Additionally, interns report facing constant threats and intimidation, with some being told that their contracts may not be renewed if they do not comply with excessive workloads or expectations. This toxic work environment leaves many teachers feeling demotivated and disrespected.

3. Limited Career Growth and Job Security

Internship programs are supposed to be stepping stones to permanent employment, but many teachers find themselves in a cycle of uncertainty. Unlike permanently employed teachers who benefit from salary increments and promotions, interns remain stagnant with no clear path forward.

Moreover, TSC has not guaranteed permanent employment for all interns after their contracts end. Some teachers fear that they may be forced into another internship cycle instead of being confirmed into permanent positions. This uncertainty discourages many from committing fully to the profession.

Demand for Better Remuneration

Another major grievance is the issue of pay. Some graduate teachers with higher qualifications feel that their compensation does not reflect their academic achievements. They are calling on the government to review salaries and benefits to match their education and experience levels.

CBC Training and Workforce Gaps

The irony of the situation is that many of these unemployed teachers are trained under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), a system that the government is actively implementing. Their expertise could be instrumental in easing the transition, yet bureaucratic delays continue to hold them back.

Government’s Response

In response to the growing demand for teachers, the government has announced plans to hire 6,000 more teachers. However, with over 56,000 already in permanent positions and 20,000 interns in service, the question remains—will this be enough to address the concerns of unemployed graduate teachers?

Call to Action: What Can Affected Teachers Do?

If you are an intern teacher or a graduate still waiting for your TSC number, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Here are a few ways to make your voice heard:

Join Teachers’ Unions: Organizations like KUPPET (Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers) and KNUT (Kenya National Union of Teachers) can advocate for better pay, job security, and fair treatment for intern teachers.
Engage in Online Campaigns: Social media is a powerful tool. Use platforms like Twitter (X), Facebook, and WhatsApp groups to highlight your struggles and push for change.
Seek Legal Advice: If you feel that your rights as an employee are being violated, consult legal experts or labor rights organizations for guidance.
Participate in Advocacy Events: Attend education sector forums where teachers’ welfare is being discussed and present your concerns directly to policymakers.

Final Thoughts

The challenges facing graduate teachers highlight the need for urgent reforms in teacher recruitment and registration processes. The TSC must streamline its operations to ensure timely registration, while the government should reconsider internship policies to make them more effective and rewarding.