The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Kericho branch and a section of intern teachers have jointly called on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to urgently confirm all intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms and to grant full autonomy to Junior Secondary Schools (JSS)
Speaking during a press briefing in Kericho town, KUPPET Kericho Executive Secretary, Mary Rotich, said the union is deeply concerned about the fate of hundreds of science intern teachers whose one-year contracts are nearing completion without any communication from TSC.
She noted that the teachers had diligently served under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), helping to stabilise the newly introduced JSS system, yet despite their commitment and contribution, they continue to face uncertainty as their contracts near expiry, prompting her to urge the TSC to communicate clearly and promptly on their employment status to end the growing anxiety among them.
“We want to hear only one voice and that voice is confirmation of the interns. They have worked faithfully for a whole year, filled critical gaps in JSS classrooms, and now deserve permanent and pensionable terms. Stories of ‘no money’ are not part of us.” Mrs Rotich said.
The union also renewed its call for autonomy of the Junior Secondary Schools, saying that independent management structures would ensure improved efficiency, resource allocation, and delivery of quality education to Kenyan learners.
“Let us not look at autonomy in terms of capitation alone. We must see it in terms of the services our children are getting, the infrastructure being developed, and the equipment being provided to support learning. JSS should be allowed to stand on its own two feet and function effectively.” Mrs Rotich stressed.
On the issue of health coverage, Rotich expressed concern over the new SHA insurance scheme that replaced the previous medical cover for teachers, noting that there was little clarity on the list of accredited health facilities and the range of services covered, and urged the government to ensure timely payment to these facilities to avoid interruptions in medical services for teachers.
“We have seen the package and compared it with the previous one; it appears almost identical. However, we don’t know which facilities will be available for teachers, and whether those who rely on monthly prescriptions or regular dialysis will continue to receive care,” she said.
On the other hand, the National Chairperson representing over 20,000 intern teachers, Nehemiah Kipkorir, accused the government of violating teachers’ labor rights by retaining them on short-term internship contracts without benefits.
“The Constitution is clear that no Kenyan should be subjected to servitude or forced cheap labor. These teachers are earning only Sh17, 000, which is not enough to sustain a decent living,” Kipkorir affirmed.
Kipkorir urged the government to allocate funds for the confirmation of intern teachers in the forthcoming supplementary budget, saying that interns had been instrumental in supporting the implementation of the CBC and should not be left out of permanent employment.
By Kibe Mburu and Hillary Kemei
