Former Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Wilson Sossion has been approved by the National Assembly Education Committee for appointment as a member of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
The committee, chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, also vetted and approved Antonia Lentoijoni as a nominee for membership of the commission.
The two nominees appeared before the committee for approval hearings on Thursday, August 20, where they responded to questions on teacher promotions, welfare, staffing and the relationship between the TSC and the Ministry of Education.
During his vetting, Sossion said he would use the intellectual abilities and experience he has gained over the years to help the TSC effectively carry out its mandate if appointed.
Committee members questioned Sossion on how he would address the linkages between the Ministry of Education and the TSC while ensuring that the roles of the two institutions are harmonised.
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They also asked him what measures he would take to address teacher promotion and welfare if approved to serve on the Commission.
In response, Sossion said he would ensure that teachers who qualify for promotion are promoted through the commission.
"He added that the Commission would also come up with a system of rewarding teachers in recognition of their contribution to the education sector," the National Assembly said in a statement.
Sossion further pledged to work towards maintaining an ethical and motivated teaching workforce in Kenya.
"In his closing remarks, Hon. Sossion promised that, if approved, he would work hard to ensure that Kenya maintains an ethical and motivated teaching workforce," the statement added.
On her side, Lentoijoni told MPs that she has accumulated 28 years of experience in the teaching service; nine years serving as a classroom teacher and nearly 18 years at the TSC.
She was questioned about teacher stagnation and the measures that could be taken to address the issue.
"On the issue raised by Members on teacher stagnation, Ms. Lentoijoni noted that the first Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) saw all teachers promoted after KES 54 billion was allocated in 2017 to oversee the promotion process," the statement further read.
Lentoijoni also pledged to strengthen support for teachers' mental health by expanding existing programmes to the county level.
"She further noted that, if approved, she would champion the expansion of mental health programmes to the county level to ensure that all teachers receive the mental health assistance they need," the statement noted.
Members also raised concerns over the alleged disappearance of teachers' files after retirement and the continued shortage of teachers despite ongoing recruitment exercises.
In response, Lentoijoni attributed the shortage to inadequate resources for recruitment and the introduction of Junior Secondary School in primary schools, which has increased the demand for teachers.
She pledged to take the position seriously and work towards addressing the challenges affecting teachers if approved.
"In her closing remarks, Ms. Lentoijoni pledged that if approved, she would take up the new position with the seriousness it deserves and work towards addressing the challenges facing teachers," the statement added.
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