Central Kenya Members of Parliament have drawn sharp criticism from some sections of the public after allegations of giving out TSC employment forms to their supporters who are teachers but not yet employed by the commission.
This comes as a surprise, given that the commission has a clear process for recruitment, which is open and competitive.
According to reports, a prominent MP from Kiambu county gave out 22 letters to teachers in his constituency.
Other MPs are also said to have issued up to 10 letters each.
The move has raised concerns about possible favouritism and nepotism in the recruitment process, as those receiving the letters have a direct link to the politicians in question.
TSC, which is charged with the recruitment, deployment, and management of teachers in Kenya, has a rigorous recruitment process that is designed to ensure that only the best candidates are selected.
The commission advertises job vacancies in national newspapers and on its website, and interested candidates are required to apply online.
The applicants are then shortlisted and invited for interviews, after which successful candidates are recruited.
It is not clear why the MPs have taken it upon themselves to issue TSC employment forms.
Critics argue that this could undermine the integrity of the recruitment process, and create an avenue for unqualified individuals to secure employment in the teaching profession.
The move has also raised questions about the accountability of the said MPs and their tampering with the recruitment process.
While MPs are expected to represent the interests of their constituents, it is unclear how issuing TSC employment forms fits into that mandate.
This is not the first time that political interference has been reported in the TSC recruitment process.
In the past, the commission has been forced to nullify previous recruitment due to the irregular filling of positions.
Concerned public members have called on the TSC to investigate this matter and ensure that the recruitment process is free from political interference.
TSC has not yet issued a statement regarding the matter.
