CS Ogamba Orders New Applications For 46000 Intern Teachers .
CS Ogamba Orders New Applications For 46000 Intern Teachers . The ongoing dispute between the government and teachers in Kenya centers around the future of 46,000 intern teachers. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced that these interns must reapply for permanent and pensionable positions. He indicated that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) would begin the transition process, which is expected to conclude by December. Successful candidates will receive their confirmations by January 1, 2025, in line with the approved budgetary timelines.
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However, this announcement was met with criticism from teacher unions. Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Secretary General Akello Misori contended that the interns should automatically transition to permanent roles, arguing that Ogamba should refrain from interfering as he is not their employer. Misori warned that the current situation could exacerbate tensions between teachers and the government, insisting that all 46,000 interns should be converted to permanent positions without additional applications.
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Collins Oyuu, Secretary General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), expressed confusion over the announcement, maintaining that all interns should be granted permanent status automatically. He dismissed the idea of a fresh application process, stating, “When you are an intern, you are converted to permanent and pensionable terms.”
The Education Committee has also voiced concerns over the delays in confirming these interns. Chairman Julius Melly questioned the TSC regarding the allocation of Sh18 billion intended for this process and expressed frustration at the lack of action. Intern teachers feel disheartened by the government’s announcement, which contradicts previous assurances of an automatic transition.
The situation is further complicated by Kuppet-led demonstrations, involving over 100,000 teachers, who are demanding permanent roles for Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers. In response to these challenges, Ogamba assured Parliament of the government’s commitment to increasing the number of teachers, including plans to recruit an additional 20,000 educators to support JSS across the country.
