NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto’s Senior Economic Advisor, Moses Kuria, has strongly criticized politicians who are allegedly politicizing the recruitment of teachers, particularly those who are publicly displaying teachers’ employment forms at rallies and funerals.
Kuria termed this practice as a “great idea on how to destroy a nation,” expressing his deep disappointment in the growing trend.
In a statement on his X, Kuria condemned the act, highlighting how it undermines the professional integrity of the recruitment process and tarnishes the importance of teachers’ roles in the society.
“There are several great ideas on how best to destroy a nation. But the most glittering of recent times is politicians parading teachers’ employment forms in public rallies and funerals,” he said.
He lamented the state of affairs, especially given that many, including himself, are the products of “great teachers” whose contributions deserve more respect.
There are several great ideas on how best to destroy a nation. But the most glittering of recent times is politicians parading teachers employment forms in public rallies and funerals. It’s so sad especially for us the products of great teachers. We have sunk this low, sadly
The statement follows a similar concern raised by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) on Sunday, which condemned the alleged interference by politicians in the teacher recruitment process.
KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu accused political figures of unfairly influencing the distribution of teaching jobs, leading to the exclusion of long-serving and deserving candidates.
Oyuu noted that such political involvement has led to the sideling of qualified teachers in favor of new graduates, particularly those who may not meet the experience requirements.
“Never in the history of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) have we seen what is happening now. The TSC should work and operate within its mandate. The manner in which employment forms are being distributed by some politicians leaves much to be desired,” Oyuu said during a press briefing.
He pointed out that such actions not only hinder the recruitment of deserving candidates but also undermine the integrity of the entire recruitment system.
Oyuu further criticized the ongoing favoritism, particularly when newly trained teachers are being given priority over those with decades of experience.
He called for a more humane approach to recruitment, which would consider both the year of graduation and the age of applicants.
“You must be fair and human. The idea of picking a teacher who completed college in 2023 while leaving out the one who finished teacher training in 2010 raises more questions than it answers,” he added.
Moreover, Oyuu emphasized the need to prioritize teachers who have served for several years but remain without formal employment, particularly those who are older than 50.
“Where do you want them to go? They must be employed,” he pleaded, highlighting the injustices faced by older teachers who have yet to find employment.
Despite these concerns, Oyuu acknowledged President William Ruto’s efforts to push for teacher employment but urged him to ensure that the recruitment process is conducted fairly and transparently.
“We cannot object to the executive powers of the president of this country to employ teachers. We want to thank him. But how these forms are distributed by some politicians leaves a lot to be desired,” he said.
Earlier this month, the TSC’s Chief Executive Officer, Nancy Macharia, addressed the allegations that politicians were involved in distributing employment letters.
She dismissed these claims, describing them as media speculation and reaffirming that her office adheres strictly to recruitment principles.
“I read this in newspapers. It is giving TSC a bad name since we are the ones mandated to recruit teachers,” Macharia said in response to concerns raised by lawmakers about the involvement of prominent figures in teacher recruitment.
The ongoing debate on teacher recruitment and the alleged interference by politicians has sparked growing calls for reform and greater accountability in the process to ensure fairness and transparency for all teachers, regardless of their background.
