Kericho: 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).
According to Kenya News Agency, during a press briefing in Kericho town, KUPPET Kericho Executive Secretary, Mary Rotich, expressed the union’s concern over the fate of hundreds of science intern teachers whose one-year contracts are nearing completion without any communication from TSC. Rotich emphasized that despite the teachers’ diligent service under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and their role in stabilizing the newly introduced JSS system, their employment status remains uncertain as their contracts near expiry. She urged the TSC to clearly and promptly communicate with the teachers to alleviate their growing anxiety.
Rotich stated, “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.”
The union also reiterated its demand for the autonomy of Junior Secondary Schools, asserting that independent management structures would enhance efficiency, resource allocation, and the 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,” Rotich stressed.
On the issue of health coverage, Rotich voiced concerns over the new SHA insurance scheme that replaced the previous medical cover for teachers. She highlighted the lack of clarity regarding the list of accredited health facilities and the scope of services covered, urging the government to ensure timely payment to these facilities to prevent disruptions 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,” Rotich said.
Additionally, the National Chairperson representing over 20,000 intern teachers, Nehemiah Kipkorir, accused the government of infringing on teachers’ labor rights by keeping them on short-term internship contracts without benefits. Kipkorir asserted that the Constitution prohibits servitude or forced cheap labor, highlighting that the current stipend of Sh17,000 is insufficient for a decent living.
Kipkorir urged the government to allocate funds for the confirmation of intern teachers in the upcoming supplementary budget, arguing that interns have been crucial in supporting the implementation of the CBC and should be included in permanent employment.
