TSC reveals number of teachers who succumbed to Covid-19

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has revealed that at least 36 teachers have died from Covid-19 in the course of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The numbers reflecting the effect of Covid-19 on teachers were confirmed by TSC CEO Nancy Macharia on January 9, 2020. 

According to a report by the commission, there has been 345 confirmed cases of the virus among teachers in the country. Out of this, 209 teachers have since recovered from the virus, while 9 are still hospitalised.

159 of the confirmed cases are male, while 186 are female.

92 teachers are currently under the home based care programme, TSC revealed. 

The safety of teachers and learners in schools remains a major concern for TSC, especially after the resumption of learning across the country on January 4, 2020. 

According to Macharia, teachers as super spreaders of the virus during this period.

TSC revealed that there are 337,432 teachers in the country serving more than 30,000 public primary and post-primary school.

Nevertheless, the CEO assured that the commission will ensure safety for teachers and learners by liaising with all relevant authorities as the country battles the pandemic

She added that TSC had negotiated for medical insurance cover with provider, Minet, so as to cover all teachers who may contract the virus.

The TSC boss stated, "The commission's field officers are also working with stakeholders in the health sector to provide psycho-social support to all teachers who may require the service." 

Macharia assured that the commission would not sack any teachers with underlying conditions for working from home, advising teachers aged above 58 should adhere to the set MoH guidelines. 

Over 25,000 teachers in Kenya are over 58 years.