The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has expressed concerns about the direction of the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) following a significant court ruling which declared the practice of hiring teachers as interns illegal and has raised questions about the Junior Secondary School (JSS) education systems stability. While Kuppet appreciated the courts decision, they highlighted the impact it might have on ensuring that there are enough teachers for JSS students.
Akelo Misori, Secretary General of Kuppet stressed the need for collaboration between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and other stakeholders to address the impending shortage of teaching staff. Kuppet urged TSC not to challenge the ruling but instead consider offering pensionable positions to intern teachers. They believe that this step would help mitigate teacher shortages and maintain consistency in delivering education.
The judgment by Justice Bryrum Ongaya exposed TSCs violation of intern teachers rights to labor practices. It underscored the importance of hiring teachers, on equal terms without discrimination to meet public schools staffing requirements effectively. Misori criticized the TSC for what he saw as a failure to meet its obligations, suggesting that the commission should seek more funding from the Legislature to tackle the education sector’s challenges.
While Kuppet and Knut welcomed the court ruling as a win for intern teachers, other groups like the NPA had reservations. The NPA backed the presidents decision to extend intern teachers contracts. Insisted on compensation for their work under the TSC and threatened legal action to protect their rights.
These intern teachers have been crucial in implementing the CBC at Junior School level. The governments plan to hire 56,000 interns by 2023, an additional 20,000 aims to address teacher student ratio issues. However, there are concerns about how this may impact education quality given uncertainties, around intern teacher employment.