Teachers oppose TSC’s Plan to Deduct Ksh2500 for ICT Training from their Salaries

Godfrey Gwako

8 months ago

Teachers oppose TSC’s Plan to Deduct Ksh2500 for ICT Training: During a conference held in Bomet town, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Bomet Branch criticized the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for suggesting deductions from teachers’ salaries to fund ICT training. They asserted their refusal to finance the program. The KNUT officials said that teachers cannot commit their already miserable pay slips.

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Circular No. 05/2024 on March 26, 2024

TSC released Circular No. 05/2024 on March 26, 2024. TSC CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia signed the circular. It directed all teachers, secretarial staff, and Grade 8 students to enroll in fundamental digital skills training.

The program is not free, as the government will charge a fee of Ksh2,500 per participant. This initiative aims to equip over 20 million individuals with essential digital skills. The skills will enable them to effectively access government e-services.

The curriculum encompasses short courses spanning Foundation, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Digital Skills. It will cater to both public sector employees and citizens.

The program’s target

Phase one of the program targets approximately 5 million learners. It will be facilitated by a consortium of ICT training organizations. TSC wants participants to self-sponsor their training at a cost of Ksh2,500 for basic skills. The training organizations will provide participants with certificates upon completion and assessment.

TSC CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia directed regional, county, and sub-county directors to ensure that all teachers within their jurisdictions received the circular.

Subsequent correspondence from the commission indicated that it would not cover the training fees. She placed the onus on teachers and it elicited criticism from teachers.

Bomet KNUT chairperson strongly opposed the program

Davis Mitei, the newly elected Bomet KNUT chairman, is one of those who have heavily criticized the program. David was speaking at a funeral in Kimori, Konoin Sub-county. He voiced his opposition to the plan. The unionists emphasized that while the training is valuable, teachers cannot afford salary deductions to finance it.

The KNUT officials are arguing that if the government truly supports teachers, it should bear the costs of their training. They also advocated for the inclusion of teachers in the TSC commission. For instance, Mitei stressed that the absence of commissioners with teaching backgrounds is unacceptable.

According to KNUT, teachers, like all Kenyans, are grappling with economic hardships. They should not face additional financial burdens. However, there appears to be limited advocacy for the concerns of students and parents. They are also experiencing financial strain because of the training costs.