NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Wilson Sossion has been approved by the National Assembly Education Committee for appointment as a member of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
The committee, chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, also approved Antonia Lentoijoni as a nominee for membership of the commission.
The two nominees appeared before the committee for vetting on Thursday, August 20, where they answered questions on teacher promotions, welfare, staffing and the relationship between the TSC and the Ministry of Education.
Sossion pledges to strengthen teacher welfare
During his vetting, Sossion said he would use his experience and intellectual abilities to help the TSC effectively execute its constitutional mandate if appointed.
Committee members questioned him on how he would manage the relationship between the Ministry of Education and the TSC while ensuring that the responsibilities of the two institutions remain properly harmonised.
He was also asked about measures he would introduce to address teacher promotions and improve welfare.
Sossion said teachers who meet the requirements for promotion should be promoted through the commission.
He also proposed a system of rewarding teachers in recognition of their contribution to the education sector.
The former KNUT secretary general pledged to promote an ethical and motivated teaching workforce.
“In his closing remarks, Hon. Sossion promised that, if approved, he would work hard to ensure that Kenya maintains an ethical and motivated teaching workforce,” the National Assembly said.
Lentoijoni highlights teaching experience
Lentoijoni told the committee that she has accumulated 28 years of experience in the teaching service, including nine years as a classroom teacher and nearly 18 years working at the TSC.
Members questioned her about teacher stagnation and possible measures to address the problem.
According to the National Assembly, Lentoijoni noted that the first Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) resulted in teachers being promoted after Sh54 billion was allocated in 2017 to support the promotion process.
She pledged to strengthen teacher welfare and address challenges affecting educators.
Focus on teachers’ mental health
Lentoijoni also told MPs that she would prioritise teachers’ mental health if appointed to the commission.
She proposed expanding existing mental health programmes to the county level to ensure teachers across the country can access appropriate support.
“Ms. Lentoijoni noted that, if approved, she would champion the expansion of mental health programmes to the county level to ensure that all teachers receive the mental health assistance they need,” the National Assembly said.
Teacher shortage remains a concern
The committee also raised concerns about the alleged disappearance of teachers’ files after retirement and the persistent shortage of teachers despite ongoing recruitment programmes.
Lentoijoni attributed the shortage partly to inadequate resources for recruitment and the introduction of Junior Secondary School (JSS) in primary schools, which has increased demand for teachers.
She pledged to take the concerns seriously and work towards addressing the challenges facing teachers if appointed.
