How Long Does TSC Internship Take? A Look At TSC Policy

President William Ruto recently addressed the nation, offering assurance to Junior Secondary School (JSS) interns that employment awaits them after two years of dedicated service.

This new government policy mandates a two-year internship period before teachers are eligible for permanent and pensionable positions.

In this comprehensive article, we delve into the intricacies of the Teacher Service Commission’s (TSC) internship program, exploring the duration, challenges faced by interns, and the government’s commitment to education.

The Presidential Pledge: Two Years to Permanency

President Ruto emphasized the significance of the two-year internship period during a media roundtable at State House.

According to him, JSS intern teachers will commence their internships in January, paving the way for permanent employment thereafter.

This commitment extends beyond JSS, with the government implementing internship processes in various sectors.

Internship Challenges and Demands for Permanent Terms

Despite the President’s assurance, JSS intern teachers have expressed concerns about working without proper employment terms, prompting threats of a work boycott in January.

These teachers, hired on one-year contracts, are currently renewing their contracts for an additional year.

The unions are advocating for a transition to permanent and pensionable terms, emphasizing the need for job security and improved working conditions.

The Funding Dilemma: TSC’s Struggle for Confirmation

The TSC, responsible for hiring 20,000 intern teachers in February and an additional 20,000 in July, faces challenges in confirming these teachers due to a lack of budget allocation.

The Commission’s Chair, Jamleck Muturi, appeals for government funding to confirm the contracts set to expire.

The delay in funding has led to concerns about teacher motivation and the overall impact on education.

The Senate’s Role: Seeking Amendments for Long-Term Internship

Kenya Kwanza Senators are pushing for amendments that would allow teachers to be employed on a contract basis for an extended period, addressing a shortage estimated at 111,810 teachers.

The proposal aims to enable the hiring of more instructors within budgetary constraints.

However, concerns arise about the potential demotivation of teachers and the impact on the quality of education.

TSC’s Response and Legal Constraints

TSC CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia emphasizes the legal constraints preventing the commission from keeping teachers on contract for an extended period.

She clarifies that after two years, contracts automatically transition to permanent and pensionable terms.

The lack of budget allocation remains a significant hurdle in hiring more teachers, hindering efforts to address the existing shortfall.

The Way Forward: Budget Allocation and Oversight

Senator Jackson Mandago calls for changes in the Employment Act to eliminate legal barriers to contractual hiring, stressing the importance of educating children and providing opportunities for unemployed Kenyans.

However, TSC highlights the need for a budgetary allocation of Sh 14.8 billion annually to recruit teachers adequately.

Ensuring effective teacher oversight is crucial to delivering value for money in education.

Conclusion

As the government navigates the delicate balance between budget constraints and the educational aspirations of the nation, the fate of JSS intern teachers hangs in the balance.

The commitment to a two-year internship period is clear, but the path to permanency faces obstacles in the form of budgetary challenges and legal constraints.

The education sector’s future relies on strategic decisions that prioritize both the financial realities and the quality of education for the next generation.