The teachers’ internship programme forms part of the economic stimulus package President Uhuru Kenyatta initiated in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
In December 2020, TSC boss Nancy Macharia told MPs the programme was a short-term solution to the shortage of teachers.
The scheme was a boon to the large number of teachers (317,000) who have been trained and qualified but have never had the chance to work for the TSC.
In the strategy primary school teachers earn Sh15,000 a month for one year, the length of the scheme. Secondary school teachers are paid Sh20,000.
After the completion of a year, they get a coveted internship certificate.
But a noble idea has, in typical Kenyan style, morphed into an instrument of discrimination.
When TSC declared 7,000 vacancies in primary and secondary schools, the interns were given a major head start.
Every intern earns, automatically, 30 per cent marks in the interviews. Prospective and competent teachers who have had no chance to enter the programme have virtually no chance.
Every teacher must be accorded the same opportunity in the interview.
There is a large number of teachers who would wish to intern, but they have no opportunity.
Some qualified years ago and have since been hired as Board of Management teachers. Some work for unstable private schools.
That is the only natural and fair route to hiring the best. The TSC should provide a level playing field for all applicants. That’s the only right thing to do.
Quote of the Day: "As long as inequality and other social problems plague us, populists will try to exploit them.
KOFI ANNAN
The 7th UN secretary general died on August 18, 2018
