PSC Promotes 3000 Trainers, Calls for Responsibility Allowance Similar to TSC
Over 3,000 trainers and heads of technical training institutions in Kenya have been promoted by the Public Service Commission (PSC), according to Mr Elicanah Mosiori, the director and head of human resource management in charge of Technical Vocational Education and Training at PSC.
The promotions began in January 2023 and come after many individuals had stagnated in the same job groups for an extended period. Mosiori has revealed that he has 900 promotions to sign, and those who feel left out are urged to present their data afresh to PSC.
Previously, trainers with diplomas could only earn up to Job Group N. However, in the new changes, some Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) principals have been promoted to Job Group S, the highest grade in public service.
Mosiori noted that many trainers miss their rightful positions because of ignorance and has pledged to assess the data for trainers and push for the promotion of those whose files have no issues. The department is considering developing a new scheme of service where trainers can grow.
Trainers who were transferred from TSC received hardship allowance, but a decision has yet to be made regarding whether the same benefits will be extended to other trainers who were later deployed to TVETs.
“If you send data to TSC, you are advised to present it afresh to PSC because TSC has not transferred your files to us. Those promoted are still picking their letters and currently, there are 900 on my desk,” he explained.
The Katti conference, attended by TVET principals and their deputies, was held at Pride Inn Flamingo Beach Resort in Mombasa. The theme of the conference is “Building leadership capacity in TVET Institutions for accelerated youth empowerment.”
At the conference, Mosiori pledged to consult with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) on the issue of responsibility allowance in TVET institutions, similar to their counterparts in the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
He noted that trainers who were transferred from TSC enjoyed hardship allowances, and a decision needs to be made on such benefits for the other lot that was later deployed to TVETs.
The principals and deputies are being trained on the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum implementation in TVET institutions, human resource management, procurement, and audit, among other topics.
However, the TVET heads noted that their institutions were grappling with a deficit of Sh4.7 billion in capitation and hence weighed down with an accumulation of debts. As a result, they may be forced to postpone sports and other activities.