House Committee Engages TSC on Draft Amendment Bill

Members of the National Assembly’s Committee on Education on Wednesday held consultations with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) over proposed amendments to the Teachers Service Commission Act, with lawmakers raising concerns over the breadth, cost implications, and implementation of the reforms.

The session, chaired by Committee Chairperson Hon. Julius Melly, brought together Commissioners from the TSC led by Commission Chair Mr. Jamleck Muturi. Discussions centred on a draft Bill that proposes sweeping changes to teacher recruitment, discipline, professional standards, and the internal administration of the Commission.

Under the proposed amendments, the TSC would be empowered to tighten entry requirements for teaching courses, strengthen teacher registration and employment frameworks, and expand its administrative and disciplinary mandate. The Bill also seeks to decentralize TSC functions through the establishment of zonal offices, create new directorates, and set up an Institute of Teacher Support and Professional Development to oversee continuous professional training.

Lawmakers noted that the draft amendments affect almost every section of the existing Act. Hon. Haro questioned the legislative approach, asking why the Commission opted for amendments instead of repealing the entire Act and introducing a new law.

In response, TSC Legal Director Mr. Cavin Anyuor explained that the draft was developed with guidance from the Office of the Attorney-General to align the Act with the Constitution and prevailing administrative practices. He said the decision to amend rather than repeal was intended to preserve institutional continuity.

The Bill also introduces new offences, including sexual exploitation of learners, and expands the definition of serious misconduct to include acts that “grossly offend public policy and interest.” These provisions would give the Commission powers to suspend or deregister teachers found guilty of professional misconduct, with an internal review committee proposed to hear appeals before matters proceed to court.

Concerns were raised over governance and structure, particularly a proposal to define “institutional administrators” to include heads of schools, deputy principals, registrars, deans, senior teachers, and other administrative staff. Hon. Bartoo sought clarification on how the provision would apply in junior secondary schools, questioning whether they would have separate deputies or operate under a single principal.

Members also pressed the Commission on coordination between TSC and the Ministry of Education in disciplinary matters. Hon. Mary Emaase questioned how TSC’s disciplinary authority under Section 35 would converge with ministry directives, especially in cases where teachers defy instructions.

The cost and practicality of decentralization featured prominently in the deliberations. Hon. Nabii Nabwera questioned the feasibility of mandatory zonal offices, asking what would happen if funding was insufficient to establish offices in every zone.

On academic qualifications, Hon. Clive Gisairo proposed technical amendments to clarify minimum entry requirements, suggesting that candidates should attain a C+ in both English and Kiswahili, rather than one or the other.

The draft Bill further provides for minimum qualifications for teacher registration, introduces affirmative action measures, and requires that appointments to the Commission reflect diversity and professional balance.

TSC officials maintained that the proposed amendments are aimed at enhancing professionalism within the teaching service, ensuring consistency in teacher management, and aligning disciplinary processes with national laws. The Committee is expected to consider the views raised before tabling its report on the Bill in the House.