Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has mounted a strong defence of his new Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2025, during a presentation before the Budget and Appropriations Committee.
The MP is proposing a major shake-up in the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), including converting commissioners from full-time employees to part-time appointees and allowing teachers to directly nominate their own representatives.
According to parliamentary records, Barasa first introduced the amendment bill on February 24, 2025, and remains its sole sponsor as of December 3, 2025.
The amendment seeks to delete sections of the TSC Act 2012 that established full-time commissioner positions.
According to parliamentary records, Barasa first introduced the amendment bill on February 24, 2025, and remains its sole sponsor as of December 3, 2025.
The amendment seeks to delete sections of the TSC Act 2012 that established full-time commissioner positions.
Under Barasa’s proposal, the TSC chairperson and eight commissioners would operate on a part-time basis and convene only six times a year.
In place of monthly salaries, the bill suggests commissioners should earn a sitting allowance ranging between KSh 40,000 and KSh 50,000 per session.
Currently, TSC commissioners earn KSh 650,000 to KSh 765,000 per month, excluding benefits such as official vehicles, fuel, and comprehensive medical coverage.
Barasa argues that transitioning the commission to a part-time model will significantly reduce the wage bill. He estimates that the government could save between KSh 70 million and KSh 80 million annually if the change is adopted.
The MP claims the new structure would ensure efficiency without compromising service delivery, noting that several commissions across the world already operate under similar frameworks.
Direct Nomination of Teacher Representatives
One of the most notable changes in the bill is the proposal to allow teachers themselves to elect representatives from primary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions.
In place of monthly salaries, the bill suggests commissioners should earn a sitting allowance ranging between KSh 40,000 and KSh 50,000 per session.
Currently, TSC commissioners earn KSh 650,000 to KSh 765,000 per month, excluding benefits such as official vehicles, fuel, and comprehensive medical coverage.
Barasa argues that transitioning the commission to a part-time model will significantly reduce the wage bill. He estimates that the government could save between KSh 70 million and KSh 80 million annually if the change is adopted.
The MP claims the new structure would ensure efficiency without compromising service delivery, noting that several commissions across the world already operate under similar frameworks.
Direct Nomination of Teacher Representatives
One of the most notable changes in the bill is the proposal to allow teachers themselves to elect representatives from primary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions.
These representatives would sit on the commission in a manner similar to the nomination processes in bodies such as:
Judicial Service Commission (JSC)
National Police Service Commission (NPSC)
Public Service Commission (PSC)
Barasa said empowering educators to directly choose their representatives would strengthen accountability and create a more democratic commission.
While defending his proposal, Barasa pointed to South Africa’s educator council, which operates on a part-time basis, as a successful example the country could emulate.
The bill is still before the Budget and Appropriations Committee. If approved, it will proceed to public participation before being tabled for First, Second, and Third Reading in the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, the Teachers Service Commission continues to operate under the current framework, with Acting CEO Eveleen Mitei at the helm
Judicial Service Commission (JSC)
National Police Service Commission (NPSC)
Public Service Commission (PSC)
Barasa said empowering educators to directly choose their representatives would strengthen accountability and create a more democratic commission.
While defending his proposal, Barasa pointed to South Africa’s educator council, which operates on a part-time basis, as a successful example the country could emulate.
The bill is still before the Budget and Appropriations Committee. If approved, it will proceed to public participation before being tabled for First, Second, and Third Reading in the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, the Teachers Service Commission continues to operate under the current framework, with Acting CEO Eveleen Mitei at the helm
Hello, my name is Yoruba. I'm a 25 year old self-employed blogger from the Africa.
No comments:
Post a Comment