Govt Funds TSC: JSS Intern Teachers’ Confirmation Dates Revealed .
Govt Funds TSC: JSS Intern Teachers’ Confirmation Dates Revealed . Confirmation Dates for JSS Intern Teachers Announced: Government Allocates Ksh 18 Billion
The National Assembly’s Budget Committee has unveiled significant funding for the permanent hiring of Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers. Chairperson Ndindi Nyoro confirmed that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) will receive Ksh 18 billion to ensure all interns are transitioned to permanent, pensionable positions without delay.
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Nyoro emphasized the urgency of implementing this decision, stating, “TSC must not wait until January.” The budget allocates Ksh 8.3 billion specifically to convert 26,000 teachers hired last year into permanent roles by July, excluding another 20,000 teachers.
Teacher Strikes and Legal Challenges
Tensions have been high as interns have gone on strike following a ruling from Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) judge Byram Ongaya, which mandated that TSC could only hire teachers on permanent terms. The 46,000 interns are pushing for the swift implementation of this ruling.
Currently, primary school teachers in the internship program earn Ksh 15,000 per month, while junior and secondary school teachers receive Ksh 20,000. Unfortunately, they do not have access to the teachers’ health insurance, further complicating their situation.
Compounding their frustrations, the Court of Appeal has issued stay orders against the ELRC ruling while an appeal is heard, leaving many teachers uncertain about their future.
Show Cause Letters and Strike Resolution
In a move to address the situation, TSC issued ‘show cause’ letters to 10,348 teachers, demanding responses within 14 days. While 9,606 complied, 742 faced contract termination. Despite recent announcements of an end to the strike, TSC has continued to terminate contracts for alleged professional misconduct among junior school teachers.
At a press conference, union leader Mr. Nthurima accused TSC of violating agreements by failing to withdraw ‘show cause’ letters and imposing disciplinary actions against teachers who returned to work. He argued that the dismissals contravened the return-to-work formula negotiated with TSC, which promised no punishment for those who complied.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the TSC and the government’s commitment to resolving these issues and ensuring the fair treatment of JSS interns. Stay tuned for further updates!
