The exodus of teachers from Kenya’s Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to pursue more lucrative opportunities abroad has become a growing concern in recent months.
Educators are increasingly signing contracts to work in the United Kingdom and the United States where salaries reportedly reach five figures, far surpassing their earnings in Kenya. This trend highlights the financial struggles faced by many Kenyan teachers. Felix Wanyaga, a teacher, laments that the modest income of a Kenyan educator typically allows for little more than constructing a small two-bedroom house and covering school fees for two children. The combination of financial strain, evolving promotion criteria, and inadequate infrastructure has led many tutors to seek alternatives outside the teaching profession in Kenya.
The appeal of opportunities in first-world countries is particularly strong. Both the United States and the United Kingdom are currently grappling with a shortage of approximately 400,000 teachers, creating a significant demand for qualified educators. Kenyan teachers are drawn to these positions not only for the superior pay but also for the improved working conditions and prospects for professional growth. While educators look abroad for better prospects, the Kenyan government faces its own set of challenges.
Recent budget cuts announced by President William Ruto’s administration, following the shelving of the Finance Bill, 2024, have impacted the process of hiring teachers. These austerity measures have further complicated efforts to address the growing teacher shortage within the country. The government in February unveiled plans to facilitate the export of teachers to foreign countries in response to rising unemployment rates. The State Department for Diaspora Affairs recognizes the demand for Kenyan workers abroad. This initiative coincides with the TSC’s introduction of new hurdles for teachers seeking promotions in primary and secondary schools, potentially exacerbating the exodus of skilled educators.
To address these challenges, the government has proposed the Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill of 2024. This legislation aims to enhance professional development and certification processes for teachers. A key provision of the bill requires all tutors to obtain a practising certificate through continuous professional development programs. By implementing these measures, the government hopes to improve the quality of education and retain skilled teachers within Kenya.
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