TSC to hire 16k teachers as hundreds out of SHA cover

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has proposed the recruitment of 16,000 additional teachers in the 2026–27 financial year.

This comes as it emerged that hundreds of teachers are being locked out of medical cover under the Social Health Authority (SHA) due to a Sh10 billion funding shortfall.

Appearing before the National Assembly Education Committee on Thursday, TSC said although its budget has increased from Sh387 billion to Sh422 billion, critical funding gaps threaten to leave teachers without essential medical cover.

At the session, chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly at Parliament Buildings, it emerged that SHA medical cover for teachers faces a massive deficit.

TSC has been allocated Sh16.5 billion for medical cover, yet the actuarial cost stands at Sh26.5 billion, creating a Sh10 billion gap that is already affecting teachers.

Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Obara pressed TSC on the shortfall and asked how much more was needed to ensure teachers are not left without cover.

TSC acting CEO Evelyn Mitei acknowledged the crisis. “The actuarial cost is Sh26.5 billion. We are Sh10 billion short. This is the money we will be asking the Treasury to give us.

“We will be meeting with SHA on Monday to discuss how to make the scheme better. We have had a challenge with treatments outside the country,” she said.

The revelation sparked concern among committee members.

Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo asked about the practical implications for teachers already struggling to access services.

Committee chairman Melly noted that TSC had not indicated the funding gap in its official wish list submitted to Parliament.

TSC clarified that discussions on the uncovered teachers are ongoing.

“The issue of SHA is ongoing; we are agreeing on the model. We can confirm the figure after the meeting with SHA. We do not want to pin a figure when the discussions are ongoing.”

Despite the health cover crisis, TSC is proceeding with plans to recruit 16,000 teachers for Junior and Senior Schools at a cost of Sh1.9 billion.

The commission told MPs it has recruited 100,000 teachers over the past three financial years in response to a government pledge to address a shortage of 116,000 teachers.

However, the recruitment plans drew sharp questions from committee members concerned about primary school teachers.

Narok Woman Representative Rebecca Tonkei challenged TSC on the exclusion of primary school teachers from the recruitment drive.

“I am not seeing where primary schools are captured. What is the fate of teachers above 40 years who are yet to get jobs? Where is the budget for acting administrators? We had directed that they be promoted or appointed gradually.”

TSC defended its position, saying primary school recruitment is not reflected in the current estimates because demand patterns have shifted.

“After the collapse of Class 7 and Class 8, demand went down and created overstaffing across primary schools. Over the past three years, priority has been on junior schools,” the commission said.

“We have a big shortage in junior schools as the expanded curriculum has created another layer of demand in senior schools. We have budgeted for junior schools because we do not have demand in primary schools.”

Luanda MP Dick Maungu sought clarity on promotions. “How many teachers have you promoted and how many are you promoting this year?”

TSC said it has budgeted Sh2 billion for teacher promotions across primary schools, secondary schools and teacher training colleges.

Performance targets show the commission plans to promote 12,000 teachers annually in both primary and secondary categories over the next three years.

Teso South MP Mary Emase questioned the budget increase from Sh387 billion to Sh422 billion and asked how the additional Sh36 billion would be spent.

The commission outlined key allocations, including Sh8.4 billion for the second phase of the 2025–29 Collective Bargaining Agreement, Sh7.2 billion to convert 20,000 intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms and Sh1.5 billion for retooling teachers in new learning areas in Junior and Senior Schools.

Beyond the SHA crisis, TSC revealed other funding shortfalls that threaten service delivery.

Group life and personal accident cover requires Sh5.3 billion, but no provision has been made under the current ceilings. This leaves teachers unprotected in cases of workplace accidents or death.

The commission also requires an additional Sh700 million to facilitate field offices, including office space, furniture, ICT connectivity, operational budgets and motor vehicles.

The question of compensation for teachers in acting positions, raised by Narok Woman Representative Tonkei, remains unresolved.

TSC’s 2017 Policy on “Appointment and Deployment of Institutional Administrators” identifies various administrative posts. However, due to a shortage of qualified teachers in certain areas, natural attrition and administrative challenges, teachers are often required to perform higher duties without compensation.

Despite repeated directives from Parliament, no funds have been allocated for acting allowances in the current budget.

TSC has proposed Sh61 million for the construction of county offices in Kwale, Kitui and Murang’a, with each allocated Sh20.33 million.

The commission also plans to digitise 36,000 teacher and secretariat files, procure 950 computers and laptops and enhance Internet connectivity in subcounty offices.

The committee directed TSC to provide clearer details on funding gaps and recruitment plans, particularly regarding the SHA shortfall and the fate of teachers above 40 years seeking employment.