What Are The Three New Roles of TSC in Kenya? [TSC Expanded Mandate]
The Teacher Service Commission (TSC) of Kenya underwent a significant transformation with the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.
This historic moment marked a shift in the education sector, and the TSC’s mandate expanded to encompass a broader range of responsibilities.
In this article, we will explore the expanded role of TSC Kenya after the 2010 Constitution, highlighting the key changes and the impact on the education system.
Expanded Mandate Of TSC Under The 2010 Constitution
Further, Article 237 (3) mandates the Commission to (three new roles of the TSC):
- Review the standards of education and training of persons entering the teaching service.
- Review the demand for and supply of teachers.
- Advise the National Government on matters relating to the teaching profession.
In addition to the powers under the Constitution, Section 11 of TSC Act grants the Commission the following functions:
- Formulate policies to achieve its mandate;
- Provide strategic direction, leadership and oversight to the secretariat;
- Ensure that teachers comply with the teaching standards prescribed by the Commission under the act;
- Manage the payroll of teachers in its employment;
- Facilitate career progression and professional development for teachers in the teaching
- service including the appointment of head teachers and principals
- Monitor the conduct and performance of teachers in the teaching service; and
- Do all such other things as may be necessary for the effective discharge of its functions and the exercise of its powers.
Under Article 237(2) of the Constitution, the Commission is mandated to perform the following functions:
- Register trained teachers
- Recruit and employ registered teachers
- Assign teachers employed by the Commission for service in any public school or institution
- Promote and transfer teachers
- Exercise disciplinary control over teachers
- Terminate the employment of teachers
- Review the standards of education and training of persons entering the teaching service
- Review the demand for and supply of teachers
- Advise the national government on matters relating to the teaching profession
Registration and Regulation of Teachers
One of the most notable changes brought about by the 2010 Constitution was the TSC’s role in the registration and regulation of teachers.
The Commission was tasked with maintaining a comprehensive database of all teachers in Kenya.
This initiative aimed to ensure that only qualified and competent individuals were allowed to teach in the country’s schools.
By regulating and licensing teachers, the TSC has raised the standards of education, leading to improved learning outcomes for students.
Recruitment and Deployment of Teachers
Before the 2010 Constitution, teacher recruitment and deployment were largely the responsibility of individual school boards and districts.
With the new mandate, the TSC took on the role of recruiting and deploying teachers to various schools.
This centralized approach allowed for better distribution of qualified teachers, ensuring that even remote and marginalized areas had access to quality educators.
Training and Professional Development
The 2010 Constitution placed a strong emphasis on the professional development of teachers.
TSC Kenya was tasked with developing and implementing programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of educators.
This focus on continuous improvement has led to a more competent and motivated teaching workforce, ultimately benefiting students and the education system as a whole.
Teacher Discipline and Ethics
Another significant change was the TSC’s role in handling disciplinary matters related to teachers.
The Commission now has the authority to investigate and take appropriate action against educators who breach the code of conduct.
This ensures that teachers maintain high ethical standards and professionalism in their interactions with students and colleagues.
Representation of Teachers’ Interests
With the expanded mandate, the TSC also became responsible for representing teachers’ interests.
This includes negotiating salaries, benefits, and working conditions on behalf of teachers.
By doing so, the TSC has played a crucial role in improving the welfare of teachers, which, in turn, positively impacts the quality of education.
Promotion of Gender and Equity
The 2010 Constitution placed a strong emphasis on gender and equity in all sectors, including education.
The TSC is now actively involved in promoting gender balance in the teaching profession.
This effort has resulted in a more diverse teaching workforce and has created opportunities for previously underrepresented groups.
Collaboration with Other Stakeholders
To effectively carry out its expanded mandate, the TSC collaborates with various stakeholders in the education sector, including the Ministry of Education, teacher unions, and school administrators.
This collaborative approach has improved the overall management of the education system in Kenya.
Impact of the Expanded Mandate
The expanded mandate of TSC Kenya after the 2010 Constitution has had a profound impact on the country’s education system.
Some of the notable outcomes include:
#1. Improved Teacher Quality
The TSC’s role in registration, training, and professional development has raised the overall quality of teachers in Kenya, leading to better educational outcomes for students.
#2. Equitable Access to Education
By taking charge of teacher recruitment and deployment, the TSC has ensured that qualified teachers are distributed more equitably across the country, including underserved areas.
#3. Enhanced Ethics and Professionalism
The TSC’s authority in disciplining teachers has helped maintain high ethical standards within the teaching profession.
#4. Teacher Welfare
The TSC’s involvement in negotiations for teacher salaries and benefits has improved the overall welfare of teachers, contributing to a more motivated workforce.
#5. Gender and Equity
The TSC’s efforts in promoting gender and equity have led to a more diverse teaching workforce, benefiting both teachers and students.
Conclusion
The expanded mandate of TSC Kenya after the 2010 Constitution has brought about significant positive changes in the education sector.
From teacher registration to recruitment, professional development, and representation of teachers’ interests, the TSC plays a crucial role in shaping the quality of education in Kenya.
This expanded mandate is a testament to Kenya’s commitment to providing quality education for all its citizens, regardless of their location or background, and to raising the standards of the teaching profession.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Expanded Mandate of TSC in Kenya
1. What are the three new roles of TSC in Kenya?
The three new roles of the Teacher Service Commission (TSC) in Kenya, as mandated by Article 237 (3) of the Constitution, are:
Reviewing the standards of education and training of persons entering the teaching service.
Reviewing the demand for and supply of teachers.
Advising the National Government on matters relating to the teaching profession.
2. What additional functions does the TSC have under the TSC Act?
Under the TSC Act, the Commission has the following additional functions:
- Formulating policies to achieve its mandate.
- Providing strategic direction, leadership, and oversight to the secretariat.
- Ensuring that teachers comply with the teaching standards prescribed by the Commission.
- Managing the payroll of teachers in its employment.
- Facilitating career progression and professional development for teachers.
- Monitoring the conduct and performance of teachers.
- Doing all such other things as may be necessary for the effective discharge of its functions and the exercise of its powers.
3. What functions is the TSC mandated to perform under Article 237(2) of the Constitution?
Under Article 237(2) of the Constitution, the TSC is mandated to perform the following functions:
- Register trained teachers.
- Recruit and employ registered teachers.
- Assign teachers employed by the Commission for service in any public school or institution.
- Promote and transfer teachers.
- Exercise disciplinary control over teachers.
- Terminate the employment of teachers.
- Review the standards of education and training of persons entering the teaching service.
- Review the demand for and supply of teachers.
- Advise the national government on matters relating to the teaching profession.
4. How has the role of the TSC changed in teacher registration and regulation?
The TSC now maintains a comprehensive database of all teachers in Kenya and regulates and licenses teachers to ensure that only qualified and competent individuals are allowed to teach in the country’s schools.
5. What is the TSC’s role in teacher recruitment and deployment?
The TSC is responsible for recruiting and deploying teachers to various schools in Kenya, ensuring better distribution of qualified teachers, even in remote and marginalized areas.
How does the TSC promote training and professional development for teachers?
The TSC develops and implements programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of educators, leading to a more competent and motivated teaching workforce.
How does the TSC handle teacher discipline and ethics?
The TSC investigates and takes appropriate action against educators who breach the code of conduct, ensuring that teachers maintain high ethical standards and professionalism.
What role does the TSC play in representing teachers’ interests?
The TSC negotiates salaries, benefits, and working conditions on behalf of teachers, improving their welfare and positively impacting the quality of education.
How does the TSC promote gender and equity in the teaching profession?
The TSC actively promotes gender balance in the teaching profession, leading to a more diverse workforce and creating opportunities for previously underrepresented groups.
How does the TSC collaborate with other stakeholders in the education sector?
The TSC collaborates with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, teacher unions, and school administrators, to improve the overall management of the education system in Kenya.
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Mr. Weldon Kosgei, a dedicated educator with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Kenya, brings years of experience and a deep love for education to his role at TSCNewsToday.co.ke. He provides insightful and timely updates on TSC policies, educational trends, and best practices, making his articles valuable resources for educators and administrators. Mr. Kosgei’s commitment to enhancing education shines through in his writing, connecting and inspiring the teaching community across Kenya.
