TSC Announces Teacher Sacking.
TSC Announces Teacher Sacking. TSC Announces Teacher Sacking Amidst Demonstrations.
Rise in Teacher Absenteeism
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has observed an increase in teacher absenteeism across the country’s institutions since the onset of demonstrations by Junior School teachers. The number of absent teachers surged from 5,722 to 7,357 between May 14 and May 17, respectively.
Regional Disparities
Some counties, such as Migori, Kericho, Turkana, and West Pokot, have been commended for maintaining zero cases of absenteeism. Conversely, Mombasa, Samburu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Isiolo recorded the highest rates of absenteeism, ranging from 53.07% to 59.32%.
Causes of Absenteeism
The absenteeism in these counties stems from the ongoing industrial action by Junior Secondary School intern teachers. These teachers are demanding confirmation and compensation following a ruling by the Labour Relations Court, which deemed the program illegal.
Legal Protection for Demonstrations
The teachers’ demonstrations are protected by law, and the commission cannot intervene unless a return-to-work formula is agreed upon.
Employment Uncertainty
Many teachers have received show cause letters questioning the viability of their contracts. However, investigations reveal that these letters lack the commission’s stamp, raising doubts about their authenticity.
Lingering Stalemate
Despite the ongoing strike, the commission has shown no commitment to resolving the stalemate. Learners continue to suffer as proper learning remains disrupted.
Controversial Plans
The commission’s plan to convert 26,000 teachers to permanent and pensionable status while employing 20,000 interns has faced legal challenges.
Demands of Intern Teachers
Junior School internship teachers are demanding confirmation by July 2024, contrary to the commission’s proposal for January. They also seek permanent and pensionable employment for all 46,000 intern teachers and an end to the recruitment of qualified teachers as interns.
Discontent Among Teachers
Many interns graduated as early as 2014, whereas their counterparts in senior positions graduated in 2022 and 2023, raising concerns about recruitment criteria. Additionally, some teachers receive employment letters from MPs, further exacerbating tensions.
Budget Allocation
The parliamentary Budget and Appropriation Committee allocated Ksh. 8.3 billion to convert internship teachers to permanent status starting January 2025.
Union Support
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has supported the interns in their demonstrations and petitioned relevant authorities to resolve the stalemate.
Uncertain Future
Despite union efforts, recent letters from the commission suggest impending job losses for the teachers. However, unions continue to advocate for the withdrawal of these letters and the development of a return-to-work formula.
Conclusion
The standoff between the Teachers Service Commission and Junior School intern teachers persists, with implications for the education sector’s stability and the livelihoods of thousands of teachers. Resolving this dispute remains imperative to ensure uninterrupted learning for students and job security for educators.
