Despite the current ongoing strike by Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers, Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang says that learning in these schools is still going on as usual. Kipsang highlighted the fact that the educational process remained active because of inputs from diverse educators other than those who are interns and striking.
Acknowledging the disruptions caused by the strike, Kipsang reassured that the Ministry of Education has contingency plans to ensure that students’ education is not severely affected. “Yes, there are disruptions, but our kids are learning, and we have backup plans,” he stated. He highlighted that other qualified instructors are stepping in to teach the JSS students during this period.
Kipsang made these comments during the beginning of the 2024 school census process at Moi Girls Nairobi. He emphasized that intern teachers were important for the education system and mentioned what steps are being taken to handle the current situation. The state has set aside money for moving intern teachers into permanent roles with retirement benefits. He promised that this change is budgeted in the upcoming financial year, affirming that the intern teachers will be shifted to permanent terms after finishing a two-year internship program.
The current strike organized by intern JSS teachers asking for permanent and pensionable positions has caused numerous protests all over the country. There were several demonstrations in different regions such as Nairobi, Bomet, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nakuru and Meru. These teachers who are currently working on yearly contracts have promised to carry out more demonstrations until their requests are fulfilled. Owino Okelo, Chairperson of Nairobi County JSS intern teachers said that there will be constant strikes by JSS teachers in Nairobi and the country at large until they are confirmed into permanent and pensionable terms.