This archive report was first published on 4 July 2021.
Published on July 4, 2021, Muslim leaders in the Coast region have expressed their discontent with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) over the limited vacancies within Islamic teaching positions.
The leaders, led by Sheikh Juma Ngao, the National Chairman of the Kenyan Muslims Advisory Council (Kemnac), claim that Islamic Religious Education (IRE) teachers are being unfairly sidelined in the latest round of recruitment.
According to Sheikh Ngao, out of the 12 positions advertised by TSC for teaching opportunities in the country, only 12 have been given to IRE teachers, which he deems as 'very unfair.'
He further stated that most of these IRE teachers are jobless, forcing them to offer private tuition despite being qualified for public service positions.
Sheikh Ngao emphasized the need for equal opportunities and equal participation in the hiring process, stating that the current situation is hindering unity amongst Kenyans.
He warned that if the government fails to address these issues, they will be forced to move to court.
Kemnac Vice-Chair, Sheikh Abubakar Amin, also expressed his concerns, stating that the qualified Islamic teachers who took over the Northeastern region when Christian teachers were withdrawn should be given more opportunities now.