The Selection Panel for recruiting five members of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has been called upon to identify and recommend suitable individuals with skills, competencies and aptitude for delivering the Teachers Service Commission mandate.
The Vice Chairperson, Public Service Commission, Ms Charity Kisotu, told the Selection Panel to abide by the values and principles of public service as prescribed in Article 232 of the Constitution during the selection exercise.
Kisotu who was speaking, today, at the PSC offices, while presiding over the inauguration ceremony of the Selection Panel, appointed by the President, for the selection of five members for appointment to the Board of the Teachers Service Commission.
“You are expected to observe high standards of professionalism, afford those who apply for the vacancies a chance to compete fairly, and exercise due care and skill to ensure that the right people get appointed,” said Kisotu.
On June 25th this year through Gazette Notice No. 6205 the President appointed the selection panel to be chaired by Thomas Koyier and others are Dr. Mary Gaturu (Ministry of Education), Charles Mutinda (Attorney General’s office), Njoki Kahiga (Ministry for Public Service), Margaret Lilan (Geno-Federation of Kenya Employers) and Richard Kibagendi.
Other members are Dr. Hellen Hazel Misenda (Representing the registered Teachers’ Trade Unions), Eva Naputuni Nyoike (Association of Private Schools) and Prof. Stanley Waudo (An educationist).
The Vice Chairperson also urged the members to pay attention to issues of diversity and inclusivity and ensure they are given as much consideration in the selection process.
She also told the panel to ensure that the names they will forward to the President at the end of the assignment reflect Kenya’s diverse communities.
“I urge you to ensure high threshold of integrity, ethical standards and professionalism are met as you embark on this assignment,” she advised.
She said their appointment to the selection panel comes a time when the government has invested heavily in reforming and transforming the education sector through different programs, including the Competency Based Curriculum, a need that requires that the exercise to be concluded fast.
The Vice Chairperson told the panel to start the recruitment immediately, noting that a delay in the process could delay the government transformation agenda in the Education Sector and urged the members to familiarize themselves with the TSC Act that governs the process.
Kisotu also assured the members of PSC support to enable them carry out the assignment smoothly within the stipulated time frame.
“The education sector is the cornerstone of Kenya’s development agenda and holds the key to the success of this great nation of ours,” said Kisotu.
In his remarks the Principal Administrative Secretary, Cabinet Affairs, Kennedy Kihara, applauded the team for doing a good job previously, thereby, qualifying to be appointed again by the President.
“We are guided by the fidelity of the law and thereby you are required to observe the law in the selection process,” said Kihara.
Speaking on behalf of the Panel Chairperson, Koyier assured that the team will carry out their duties in accordance to the Constitution without any fear or favour.
By Susan Njeri and Njeri Kariuki
