TSC reports shortage of Science teachers in Kenya

During her appearance before the National Assembly education committee, Teachers Service Commission CEO Nancy Macharia stated that despite having over 400,000 unemployed teachers nationwide, the commission is struggling to recruit teachers for science subjects.

She noted that many schools, especially junior secondary schools (JSS), are not adequately staffed with science teachers and that applications for these positions are rarely received.

“What stands out is the problem of science teachers. Based on our data, we will be able to determine the percentage of arts versus science teachers. However, it is clear that the majority are in the arts,” Macharia explained.

“I have never shied away from acknowledging the crisis of teacher shortages. We will recruit and redistribute teachers across all counties, but when we advertise for positions, we hardly receive applications for subjects like Physics.”

The committee, led by Julius Melly, expressed concern about the implications of this shortage on students. Kasipul Kabondo MP Eve Obara raised the issue, stating, “We are aware of situations where arts teachers are teaching science. They often just read the material back to students—are we being fair to our students? Are they truly learning anything?”

Marakwet West MP Timothy Toroitich inquired about the extent of the science teacher shortage, asking, “Of the 400,000 teachers you mentioned are unemployed, what percentage are science teachers?”

Macharia promised the committee that they would analyze the data and provide accurate information on the severity of the problem.

“We have communicated with the education ministry and have reached out to our schools multiple times regarding the lack of science teachers. Action needs to be taken,” she stated.

She also assured the committee that all 46,000 intern teachers would be employed, with an additional 20,000 teachers set to be hired in January.

“Schools, especially JSS, are poorly staffed. The commission has not followed the rules of staffing; some subjects have excess staff while others lack teachers,” Committee Chair Melly noted.

The meeting also addressed issues related to promotions and preparations for Grade 9, where the first cohort of JSS learners is expected to transition next year.