Kalenjin, Luhya, Kikuyu communities dominate latest TSC teacher recruitment

In response to the Senate Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) revealed that over 58 tribes were represented in the teachers' recruitment, representing over 68,313 job posts. 

Kalenjins dominated the list with 10,769 members, followed by Luhyas (10,466), Kambas (9,557) and Kikuyus (8,799). 

The tribes with the least representation included Ogaden (5), Njemps (7) and Kenyan Asians (10). 

"As a policy of the Commission, recruitment of teachers is conducted at the Sub-County level. This is aimed at according all Kenyans equal and fair opportunity for employment as ordained in the Constitution," the statement read in part. 

The Commission clarified that the positions are provided on merit, hence the variations in the distribution of ethnicity. 

"While the Commission strives for ethnic balance, recruitment is ultimately determined by the availability of qualified applicants in each region and subject area. As such, some variations in distribution are expected."

Further, male JSS teachers accounted for 51.3 per cent as opposed to females. Notably, the majority of the newly recruited teachers are youth aged between 22 and 35 years. 

423 teachers living with disabilities who applied were also recruited based on merit. 

"While this falls short of the 5% threshold set by the Persons with Disabilities Act (2003), it is important to note that all qualified candidates living with disabilities who applied for recruitment were considered and recruited."