JSS (Junior Secondary School ) intern teachers in Kilifi County threaten to strike unless the government confirms them permanently and compensates for the internship. They accuse the Teachers Service Commission of rights violations.
“What we are asking is for the government to confirm and compensate us for the time we have been under internship. We want TSC to respect the court’s ruling that internship is illegal,” Azani Ngumbao, a JSS intern teacher, said.
The recent court ruling deemed TSC’s internship program illegal, citing violations of fair labor practices. Intern teachers in Kilifi, earning a monthly gross salary of Ksh.20,000, find it insufficient, especially considering tax deductions. Ngumbao stated over 1,200 JSS teachers won’t report to duty upon schools reopening.
Lelei emphasized that meeting teachers’ needs is crucial for the successful implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum, which relies on intern teachers.
“We as the interns have suffered long enough. They are using us to propel the CBC program and yet we are not in their payrolls. If they do not compensate and confirm us it means this CBC program will be compromised,” Lelei said.
He alleged that certain Members of Parliament are distributing job appointment letters to recent graduates while neglecting older graduates who are still awaiting permanent employment.
