As Kenyan schools reopened yesterday for the second term following a prolonged closure period occassioned by floods that have been ravaging the country, dozens of intern teachers from Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) in Narok County held peaceful demonstrations in Narok town, urging the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to employ them on permanent and pensionable terms.
The young teachers, who marched along the streets of Narok town, have resolved not to return for the second term until they receive confirmation of permanent employment from their employer.
Josphat Kipng’eno questioned why the TSC has disregarded the court order that mandated the permanent and pensionable employment of all intern teachers.
The teachers are demanding a fair and transparent employment process. They allege a lack of transparency in the confirmation procedure, citing instances where some teachers received their confirmation letters at burial ceremonies.
Another teacher, Elias Kimorgo, explained that they will not return for the second term because the court declared their internship illegal. They refuse to participate in activities that violate the law.
“We are law-abiding citizens and must obey the court order. We will not return to school until our employment status is confirmed,” Kimorgo stated.
Dauphine Adhiambo, a JSS teacher, highlighted that the monthly salary of Sh. 17,000 for intern teachers is insufficient for their needs. She urged the TSC to consider offering them full-time positions.
“Many of us who teach live far from home and must pay for rent and food. We have families to support with the meager income we receive. It’s a very difficult situation for us,” Ms. Adhiambo said.
The TSC hired approximately 800 intern teachers in 2023 to teach at the Junior Secondary School level.
Yesterday, Kiharu Member of Parliament, Ndindi Nyoro, spoke at a church service in Narok town. He voiced his support for the intern teachers’ request and urged the TSC to grant them permanent employment.
The teachers warned that they will intensify their demonstrations if the TSC fails to address their concerns.