Relief for Overcrowded Schools? TSC Tables Sh422.9B Education Plan

The corridors of Kenya’s education sector are once again abuzz with anticipation as crucial funding decisions loom ahead of the next financial year.

Stakeholders across the country from teachers’ unions to school heads and parents are closely watching Treasury allocations that could shape the future of learning in public institutions.

Amid mounting pressure over teacher shortages, ballooning enrolment and curriculum reforms, fresh proposals have emerged that could significantly impact classrooms nationwide.

At the centre of the conversation is a multi-billion shilling budget request that signals both ambition and urgency in addressing long standing staffing gaps.

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has formally sought Sh422.9 billion for the upcoming financial year, unveiling plans to recruit 16,000 additional teachers across the country.

The Commission says the funding will cater for salaries, recruitment drives, promotions, teacher training and operational expenses.

According to TSC officials, the proposed allocation is necessary to bridge the growing teacher deficit in both primary and secondary schools, especially following the transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

The Commission notes that increased enrolment under the 100 per cent transition policy has stretched existing staff, with some schools operating far below recommended teacher to student ratios.

Of the 16,000 teachers targeted for recruitment, a significant portion will be deployed to junior secondary schools to support Grade 7, 8 and 9 learners under CBC.

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The TSC says this move will help stabilize learning and ease pressure on teachers currently handling oversized classes.

The budget request also includes provisions for converting intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms, a matter that has sparked repeated calls from unions.

Teacher representatives have argued that long term reliance on interns undermines job security and morale within the profession.

Beyond recruitment, the Commission intends to allocate funds toward promotions to address stagnation in career progression.

Thousands of teachers have waited years for advancement despite meeting the required qualifications.

TSC says promotions will not only boost morale but also enhance leadership capacity in schools.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the recruitment plan but cautioned that Parliament must approve adequate funding to ensure its full implementation.

They argue that failure to meet the financial request could derail progress made in recent years and worsen the teacher shortage crisis.

Treasury officials are expected to review the proposal as part of broader budget negotiations amid competing demands from other sectors.

With the education sector already consuming one of the largest portions of the national budget, lawmakers will be balancing fiscal constraints against the urgent need to strengthen public education.

If approved, the Sh422.9 billion allocation would mark one of the most substantial investments in Kenya’s education workforce in recent years a move that could redefine classroom experiences for millions of learners across the country.