Over 200 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers in Bomet County have gone on strike, demanding permanent and pensionable employment from the government, while only receiving a salary of Sh17,000.
During a demonstration in Bomet town, the teachers, affiliated with the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), informed the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) that they will not work in schools until their demands are met.
KUPPET Vice Chairman, Peter Bett, pointed out that the court has declared the internship and contract system illegal. “Since the Constitution mandates the TSC to employ teachers permanently, qualified teachers should be employed permanently, not on contracts,” Bett said.
He further questioned why the government claims it cannot offer permanent positions when “certain politicians are distributing employment letters to their friends.” Bett argued, “We want to say to the TSC that you can confirm all the teachers every day. It is a shame for political leaders to give employment letters simply as a method of wooing their followers.”
Bett also suggested that the TSC should follow proper procedures in employing teachers. For example, they could advertise open positions on media platforms so interested individuals can apply. He advised them to avoid involving politicians who are promoting their own interests.
KUPPET Treasurer, Joseph Bett, requested parents of JSS students to be prepared to make alternative arrangements for their children’s schooling, given the teachers’ resolve not to return due to low salaries.
The unionists alleged corruption and malpractice by TSC officials in the hiring process. “They allege that securing permanent employment requires a bribe of Sh400,000,” Bett said. “We need these TSC officials to come out clear on this allegation.”
Bett has urged President William Ruto to step in, highlighting that if these issues are not resolved it will impact the teaching and learning process in many schools across Kenya.
Mungen Kipruto, the JSS spokesman, expressed their preparedness to be dismissed from work because they have been actively advocating for the rights of these teachers who are employed.
“We will go to the Labour Court for justice, as we cannot keep teaching in such an unfair setting,” he said.