Will TSC Absorb Interns? President Ruto Affirms Employment for Junior Secondary School Interns

In a significant announcement during a media roundtable at State House, Nairobi, on December 16, 2023, President William Ruto assured Junior Secondary School (JSS) interns of imminent employment opportunities.

This bold move comes as part of the government’s commitment to enhancing the internship process across various sectors, particularly in education.

President Ruto’s Assurance to JSS Interns

President Ruto, addressing the nation, outlined a new government policy where JSS intern teachers would undergo a two-year internship before being considered for permanent and pensionable terms.

This strategy aims to provide a comprehensive learning and job experience, ensuring that interns are well-prepared for their roles.

“The JSS intern teachers will be at work in January. We had promised that before being employed on permanent and pensionable terms in all sectors, they must do an internship for two years,” President Ruto emphasized.

Government Initiatives Beyond Education

President Ruto shed light on the broader internship initiatives undertaken by the government, citing the recent intake of interns at the Public Service Commission.

This multifaceted approach is designed to integrate internship as a crucial component of the learning and job acquisition process across various sectors.

Challenges Faced by JSS Intern Teachers

Despite the optimism surrounding the President’s announcement, JSS intern teachers have expressed concerns about working for extended periods without proper employment terms.

Hired on one-year contracts by the Teacher Service Commission (TSC), these teachers are currently renewing their contracts for another year while teaching in JSS institutions located within primary schools nationwide.

TSC’s Strategic Plan and Funding Challenges

The TSC faces the challenge of allocating funds for the confirmation of teachers hired on internship terms.

There’s the potential loss of motivation among teachers if the internship period becomes too prolonged.

The TSC’s 2023–2027 strategic plan aims to confirm these teachers in January 2024, contingent on receiving the necessary funding.

Senators’ Proposal and Potential Impact

In an unexpected development, Kenya Kwanza Senators are seeking to amend laws restricting the TSC from hiring teachers on internship terms for an extended duration.

This move is driven by the Senators’ belief that contractual hiring would enable the commission to address a shortage of approximately 111,810 teachers within budgetary constraints.

However, the TSC CEO, Dr. Nancy Macharia, clarified that keeping teachers on contract for an excessive amount of time is not legally viable.

She highlighted the need for a budgetary allocation of Sh 14.8 billion annually for teacher recruitment to bridge the existing gaps.

Potential Ramifications on Education Industry

The Senators’ proposal, if implemented, may inadvertently demotivate teachers and disrupt the education sector.

Dr. Macharia asserted that the lack of funds has hindered the commission’s ability to hire an adequate number of teachers.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Education

As the government navigates the delicate balance between internship periods and permanent employment, the fate of JSS intern teachers hangs in the balance.

President Ruto’s commitment to their eventual absorption into the workforce provides hope, but challenges persist in securing the necessary funding and addressing legislative hurdles.

The education sector’s future hinges on striking the right balance to ensure motivated and adequately supported teachers, laying the foundation for a brighter future for Kenya’s students.