Ogamba challenges Wetang’ula to substantiate State House teacher hiring claims

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has challenged National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to provide evidence backing his allegations that politicians receive teacher employment letters at State House, and subsequently sell them to job seekers for high sums. Speaking during a media interview at Kisii University, Ogamba emphasized that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is an independent constitutional body responsible solely for hiring, promoting, and employing teachers.

He distanced the Ministry of Education and State House from the alleged recruitment scheme, noting his inability to comment on alleged transactions because he wasn’t present at the time. Ogamba stated that only the Speaker or a member of TSC could address such claims, as they lack the knowledge of where such allegations originated.

He called on Wetang’ula to supply details of the alleged scheme, including the procurement and dissemination of these letters. Wetang’ula sparked controversy in August when he alleged that TSC employment or recommendation letters were being issued at State House and sold to MPs for up to Sh400,000 each. The Speaker denounced the practice as immoral, warning it would bar qualified Kenyans from public employment due to the prohibitive cost.

TSC refuted the claims as false and misleading, asserting that Article 237 of the Constitution grants the commission exclusive authority over teacher recruitment, employment, and appointment letters. Ogamba reiterated this position, stressing that State House and the Ministry of Education lack legal authority to recruit or promote teachers.

He emphasized that the TSC is an independent commission, solely responsible for interviewing and promoting teachers, and he could not engage in the discourse unless Wetang’ula clarifies the alleged claims. During the same convention, Ogamba addressed concerns over school financing, uniform costs, and technical training. He confirmed that government funding had been processed for the final school term, but clarified that day schools do not receive capitation, only boarding schools do.

He acknowledged concerns over rising uniform costs and pledged continued support for Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions.