Quick Overview
- Call for Returning to Work; KNUTs Secretary General, Collins Oyuu encourages intern teachers, at Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) to resume their duties.
- Job Security: The National Assembly and TSC are collaborating to transition intern teachers to positions.
- Financial Limitations: Due to budget constraints, not all intern teachers will be immediately absorbed into roles.
Context and Background.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has praised the role of the National Assembly in facilitating the employment of intern teachers at Junior Secondary Schools. Collins Oyuu, the unions Secretary General has urged interns to go to work while their contracts are finalized by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Key Updates.
Encouraging Patience and Return
In a conversation that we are privy to, Collins Oyuu expressed his appreciation for the National Assembly’s efforts in addressing the employment status of JSS interns. He stressed the need for patience among interns as their job matters get resolved. Oyuu criticized plans to engage interns from January next year noting that the financial year commences in July.
Commitment, from National Assembly.
Ndindi Nyoro, chairperson of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee has guaranteed that interns will soon secure Pensionable positions.
The announcement was made against the backdrop of disruptions, in education due to the protests of 46,000 intern teachers regarding their contract terms.
Nyoro pointed out that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has been allocated a budget of over KSh300 billion, part of which is meant to facilitate the employment of the protesting teachers.
Financial Challenges and Legal Clarifications
Despite the budget allocation there are concerns that it may not be enough to transition all 46,000 intern JSS teachers to roles. Nyoro acknowledged these constraints. Reassured that steps are being taken to deal with the issue.
Julius Melly, who heads the Parliamentary Education Committee disclosed that not all intern teachers would be absorbed immediately. He clarified that due to constraints from the National Treasury, a phased approach is necessary starting with absorbing 26,000 interns and incorporating the rest in subsequent years.
Legal Aspect and Workers Rights
A significant ruling on April 17 by Justice Bryrum Ongaya from Employment and Labour Relations Court found TSC in violation of labor practices for intern teachers. The ruling highlighted gaps in laws or policies allowing TSC to hire interns. Justice Ongaya stressed that TSC should employ registered teachers under terms, without discrimination to adequately meet staffing needs in schools.