Wilson Sossion Calls for Forensic Audit of the TSC Amid Corruption Allegations

By Robert Mutasi 

Former Secretary General of the National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Wilson Sossion has called for a thorough investigation of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), citing rampant corruption within the organization. 

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Monday, September 2, 2024, Sossion did not mince words as he highlighted the seriousness of the situation, suggesting that "angels would weep" over the level of misconduct at TSC.

Sossion stressed the need for a thorough investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to determine the full extent of corruption in the TSC. 

He expressed his belief that this process may require the removal of the top management of TSC, including the CEO and commissioners, to ensure that the audit is carried out without bias.

"This is a very serious issue, and the situation in TSC needs a scientific review by the Inspector General. It does not mean that being a constitutional and independent commission gives TSC a license to commit crimes against citizens or violate the law," Sossion emphasized. .

The former KNUT leader named specific areas where he believes corruption is most prevalent, starting with the recruitment of teachers. 

He lamented the lack of transparency in the recruitment process over the past five years, noting that competitive advertisements for teaching positions have disappeared. 

According to Sossion, getting a job as a P1 teacher now requires a bribe of KSh 350,000, while qualified teachers have to pay KSh 500,000. 

He also claimed that promotions within the TSC have also been affected by corruption, with teachers having to pay up to KSh 150,000 to advance their careers.

"Where is the poor teacher going to get the money to do that?" Sossion asked, highlighting the effects of such corrupt practices on the integrity of the education sector and the lives of teachers across the country.

Beyond recruitment practices, Sossion called for an audit of TSC's financial transactions, particularly the transfer of money to third parties, where he claims the commission is involved in payments.

He claimed that failure to provide discounts leads to delays or suspension of payments, thereby increasing the financial burden on teachers.

Sossion also criticized the formulation and implementation of unconstitutional and illegal policies within the TSC. 

He wanted Parliament to deal with corruption within the commission before enacting new laws, stressing that only a clean and transparent TSC can restore the education system in the country to its former status.

"Kenya is deteriorating ," Sossion warned, making it clear that without immediate action, the quality of education in the country will continue to decline under the weight of systemic corruption.