Union Wants TSC to Employ More Teachers to Bridge STEM Gap before Grade 9

Godfrey Gwako

5 months ago

Union Wants TSC to Employ More Teachers to Bridge STEM Gap before Grade 9: The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) is calling for a proactive approach from the government to address the imminent need for more teachers. This is in anticipation of the Grade 9 student intake in 2025. KUPPET’s Secretary General, Akelo Misori, emphasized that teachers are the backbone of the educational system.

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Teachers are irreplaceable

He stressed that, without adequate staffing, schools will struggle significantly. Misori argued that, while other educational resources can be managed, teachers are irreplaceable in ensuring effective learning.

Misori also highlighted the urgency of recruiting more teachers to fill the current gaps. He suggested that their deployment should be strategically aligned with the curriculum’s requirements.

Hassan Farah, Chairperson of the Kenya Primary School’ Headteachers Association for North Eastern, voiced similar concerns. He particularly highlighted the acute shortage of teachers specialized in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects in his region.

STEM subjects are essential

Farah emphasized that these subjects are essential for a well-rounded education. He noted the region’s lack of necessary school infrastructure, such as classrooms, laboratories, and sanitation facilities. Recent natural disasters like floods and winds have further compromised these.

In response to these challenges, Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang announced the government’s plan to construct 16,000 classrooms by January. The classes will accommodate the incoming grade 9 cohort.

Kipsang reassured that the government is dedicated to meeting this commitment. Additionally, the government has pledged to hire 26,000 teachers on contract beginning July 1, 2024, to support Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers. The move will strengthen the teaching workforce in light of forthcoming educational reforms.

Concerns over fundamental resources

Despite these efforts, headteachers across the nation continue to express concerns about the availability of fundamental resources such as desks, chairs, and functional sanitation facilities.

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While the government’s classroom construction initiative is a positive step, ensuring comprehensive resource provision remains a critical and urgent need as schools gear up for Grade 9 enrollment. The government has to provide more funds for TSC to employ more teachers.

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