President William Ruto’s recent assurance to Junior Secondary School (JSS) interns about future employment has sparked both relief and concern within the teaching community.
In a media roundtable at State House, Nairobi, the President emphasized the government’s commitment to a two-year internship program for these educators.
This article delves into the fate of TSC interns, exploring the challenges they face and the government’s strategies to address the ongoing concerns.
President Ruto’s Pledge: A Two-Year Internship Journey
President Ruto outlined the government’s practice of requiring JSS intern teachers to undergo a two-year internship before transitioning to Permanent and Pensionable (P&P) terms.
The President urged the interns to remain patient, assuring them that come January, they would commence their internships with a guaranteed path to employment thereafter.
Internship Process Across Sectors
It’s not just the education sector grappling with internship intricacies; the government is extending the internship process to other sectors.
President Ruto highlighted the recent cohort of interns at the Public Service Commission, emphasizing the role of internships in both learning and career development.
Teacher Service Commission’s Dilemma: One-Year Contracts and Renewals
JSS intern teachers, currently operating on one-year contracts, are facing uncertainty despite their substantial workload.
The Teacher Service Commission (TSC) hired these teachers on a contractual basis last year, and as they renew their contracts for another year, concerns about job security have arisen.
TSC’s Strategic Plan and Funding Challenges
Jamleck Muturi, the TSC chair, emphasized the need for government funding to ensure the confirmation of teachers after their two-year internship.
During the announcement of the TSC 2023–2027 strategic plan at the Kenya School of Government, Muturi highlighted the potential demotivation among teachers if internships extend for too long.
Senators’ Proposal: A Controversial Move
Kenya Kwanza Senators are pushing for an amendment to laws restricting TSC from hiring teachers on internship terms for extended periods.
The proposal suggests hiring teachers on a contractual basis rather than permanent and pensionable terms to address budget constraints.
However, this move is raising concerns about potential demotivation among teachers and its impact on the education sector.
The Commission’s Stance: Legal and Budgetary Constraints
TSC CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia clarified that keeping teachers on contract for an extended period is not legally feasible.
She emphasized the need for budgetary allocations to facilitate the hiring of more teachers.
Macharia highlighted the existing shortfall of instructors in both primary and high schools.
The Call for Change: Senators vs. Unions
Senators argue that unions should not hinder the hiring of teachers on a contract basis.
However, teachers’ unions stress the importance of fair employment conditions, advocating for a balance between contractual hiring and permanent terms.
Conclusion: Navigating the Path Forward
As JSS intern teachers await their January internships and potential employment thereafter, the fate of TSC interns remains uncertain.
The delicate balance between budget constraints, legal considerations, and the need for a motivated teaching workforce poses a significant challenge for both the government and educators.
As discussions unfold, finding a solution that benefits all stakeholders in the education sector becomes crucial for the future of TSC interns.
Related Content
Mr. Weldon Kosgei, a dedicated educator with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Kenya, brings years of experience and a deep love for education to his role at TSCNewsToday.co.ke. He provides insightful and timely updates on TSC policies, educational trends, and best practices, making his articles valuable resources for educators and administrators. Mr. Kosgei’s commitment to enhancing education shines through in his writing, connecting and inspiring the teaching community across Kenya.
