The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is embroiled in a hot debate over the employment of 46,000 Junior Secondary School intern teachers. The government has set aside Sh13.4 billion for their employment in the 2024-25 budget, which is timely and responsive to the critical need for more teachers. However, this figure is still below TSC’s earlier estimate of Sh16.6 billion needed to employ these interns on permanent and pensionable terms. Coupled with the recent legal setbacks, this funding deficiency has caused crippling delays and general uncertainty.
Recent Developments
The National Assembly’s Education Committee is set to meet TSC tomorrow over the JSS intern teachers’ employment status. This will happen after the ruling of the Court of Appeal, which suspended the proposed plan by TSC in a move to convert the interns to permanent positions. Justices Asike Makhandia, Sankale Ole Kantai, and Ngenye Macharia suspended the orders issued by the ELRC, directing that TSC transition the interns.
Through its CEO Nancy Macharia, TSC opposed the orders by issued, arguing that the same disrupted their plans and budget. The commission put it clear that in the event the funds required are not factored in, compliance without violating the constitutional rights of the learners will not be possible. According to the TSC’s lawyer, Allan Sitima, the current financial shortfall stands at Sh3.2 billion, marring their efforts to transit the interns.
Financial Implications
While the Sh13.4 billion allocation by the government has been well received, it does not meet the financial requirements of TSC. It is this deficit of Sh3.2 billion that has provided basis for a lot of controversy, including strikes, sackings, and even court battles. The allocation factored by Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u during the 2024-25 budget presentation is not enough to fully cater to TSC needs.
Status of Teacher Promotions
It is also likely that TSC will tell the committee the status of promotions for teachers in their 40s and 50s, in addition to the issues regarding the intern teachers. The promotions were riddled with delays and uncertainty which has so far caused frustrations among the teaching fraternity.