Nine-Time Champion Coach Waits a Decade for Employment in Kenya’s Strained Education System
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A decorated handball coach,despite leading his school to numerous national and regional championships,remains stuck in a cycle of applications and unfulfilled promises,highlighting systemic issues within Kenya’s teacher employment process.
Godfrey Simiyu,the celebrated tactician behind Moi Girls’ Kamusinga’s handball dynasty,has spent nearly a decade navigating a frustrating bureaucratic maze despite possessing the requisite qualifications and a proven track record of success. His story underscores a growing concern about how merit and achievement translate into opportunity within the Kenyan education system.
A Champion’s Credentials
Simiyu holds a Diploma in Computer Studies from the Technical University of Mombasa, followed by a Diploma in Education (Computer Studies) in 2015. In 2016, he was officially registered with the TSC, receiving identification number 677551, formally qualifying him to teach.
Years of Unsuccessful Applications
“I have been applying since 2016 without success,” Simiyu told Citizen Digital. “it’s discouraging to see colleagues I studied with get employed while I’m still waiting.” He currently works under a Board of Management (BOM) contract, a temporary arrangement that offers limited job security and benefits.
Resolute to bolster his qualifications,Simiyu pursued a Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree at Kenyatta University,graduating in 2023 with a specialization in History and Geography.Yet, even this additional degree has failed to unlock a permanent position.
A System That doesn’t Recognize Achievement
In a last-ditch effort, the principal of Moi Girls’ Kamusinga, Joyce Malunda, personally delivered Simiyu’s documents and letters of recommendation – from both the school board and the TSC sub-county office – directly to TSC headquarters in Nairobi in 2025. The effort proved fruitless.
“We were told employment is not based on achievements or recognition in sports,” Simiyu explained. He continues to apply for replacement positions,hoping to be shortlisted,but remains in limbo.Malunda expressed continued optimism, stating, “We have done everything required and are still waiting for feedback.”
Recognition Without Reward
The irony of simiyu’s situation is not lost on him. He has received multiple letters of recognition and awards from the TSC acknowledging his contributions to school sports,including accolades in both 2023 and 2025. “I’ve been recognized in 2023 and again in 2025. But recognition without employment is painful.Even colleagues ask what those letters have helped me achieve,” he said.
This disconnect between recognition and reward highlights a basic flaw in the system, where remarkable performance in extracurricular activities is not adequately valued in the teacher employment process.
Calls for Intervention and a Glimmer of Hope
Kipchumba Maiyo, chairperson of the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA), acknowledged Simiyu’s case and pledged to advocate for his consideration. “As chair, I can recommend him for consideration so that when opportunities arise, he is given priority,” Maiyo stated, adding that the Ministry of Education aims to motivate outstanding sports teachers through promotions and recognition.
In 2023, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced plans to promote teachers who excelled at East African school games. Though, this initiative primarily benefited teachers already employed by the TSC, excluding BOM teachers like Simiyu. “I only asked for employment, not promotion,” Simiyu said. “But I was told opportunities were limited to those already in the system. It was disappointing.”
Waiting for 2026
As 2025 draws to a close, Simiyu remains hopeful that 2026 will finally bring the employment letter he has been waiting for since 2016. His case raises critical questions about how excellence, merit, and certification translate into opportunity within the Kenyan education system – and how long decorated teachers can be expected to wait for the recognition they deserve.
