Intern Teachers Seek Full Salary as Court Rules Against TSC
In a recent ruling by the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC), nearly 60,000 teachers hired by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) as interns may be entitled to full salary for the period served. The court found TSC in violation of fair labor practices by offering internship positions to qualified and licensed teachers.
However, this ruling adds uncertainty to the fate of Junior Secondary Schools just weeks before the second term reopening. These intern teachers have been pivotal in implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum at Junior Secondary Schools.
Initially, the internship program was slated to run for one year before interns could be absorbed into permanent and pensionable positions. President William Ruto announced an extension, requiring interns to serve an additional year before consideration for permanent employment.
In the court case, it was revealed that interns were given contracts to teach two subjects but ended up teaching various subjects, including sciences and mathematics, without proper supervision. Some interns also expressed grievances, noting disparities in employment terms compared to their colleagues hired on permanent and pensionable terms.
The case was filed by the Forum for Good Governance and Human Rights on behalf of the interns, highlighting concerns about the casual handling of children's education and the lack of proper supervision.
KNUT hailed the court ruling as a significant victory for intern teachers, advocating for their absorption into permanent positions. KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu criticized the internship program, calling it unfair to treat fully qualified teachers as trainees. He urged TSC to seek parliamentary funding to absorb intern teachers permanently.
Meanwhile, TSC Secretary-General and CEO Nancy Macharia disclosed plans to hire an additional 20,000 interns in July, adding to the 56,000 already employed under President Ruto's administration.
There are 56,000 intern teachers employed under President William Ruto’s administration.
In February, TSC Secretary General and CEO Nancy Macharia further revealed a plan to hire 20,000 more interns in July.
As stakeholders navigate the aftermath of the court ruling, attention turns to the future of intern teachers and the need for sustainable solutions to address staffing and educational reforms in Kenya's education sector.
