President William Ruto recently addressed the nation, offering assurance to Junior Secondary School (JSS) interns that their dedication would lead to permanent employment after two years of service.
This commitment, embedded in the government’s practice, aims to provide a comprehensive learning and job process for intern teachers across various sectors.
The President’s Pledge: JSS Interns to Commence Work in January
President Ruto emphasized that JSS intern teachers would continue with their internships in January, a critical step towards securing permanent and pensionable employment.
The two-year internship period is seen as an essential phase in their professional development, aligning with the government’s broader strategy in multiple sectors.
Government-Wide Internship Initiatives: Beyond Education
In addition to the education sector, President Ruto highlighted that the government is actively implementing internship processes in various sectors.
This strategic move is designed to enhance the learning curve for interns and foster a skilled workforce across the nation.
Challenges Faced by JSS Interns: A Year of Uncertainty
Despite the commitment to a two-year internship, JSS intern teachers have expressed concerns about the lack of proper employment terms.
Currently working on one-year contracts, they are in the process of renewing these contracts for another year.
The impending question is whether the promised confirmation will materialize for these interns, who have already endured a year of uncertain employment conditions.
TSC’s Stance: Two-Year Internship Term for Confirmation
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has communicated a pivotal policy shift, indicating that teachers hired on internship terms must serve for at least two years before being considered for permanent and pensionable positions.
This move, according to TSC Chair Jamleck Muturi, is aimed at ensuring that teachers gain sufficient experience and expertise during their internship period.
Funding Challenges: TSC’s Plea for Confirmation
Jamleck Muturi, while presenting the TSC 2023–2027 strategic plan, appealed to the government to allocate funds for the confirmation of teachers.
Recognizing the demotivational impact of prolonged internships, Muturi outlined the Commission’s plan to confirm teachers in January 2024, contingent on receiving the necessary funding.
This has not happened.
However at the end of the year, when most teacher interns will complete the 2 year internship, they’ll surely be confirmed as per the government policy.
Legislative Considerations: Senators’ Proposal to Address Teacher Shortages
In response to the teacher shortage estimated at 111,810, the Senate National Cohesion Committee proposed changes to the Employment Act.
The suggestion is to allow contractual hiring of teachers, providing a cost-effective solution for the TSC within its constrained budget.
However, concerns arise about the potential negative impact on teacher motivation and the overall quality of education.
TSC’s Legal Constraints: A Balancing Act
TSC CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia clarified that the Commission cannot lawfully keep teachers on contract for an extended period.
After two years, their contracts would automatically transition to permanent and pensionable terms.
However, the lack of allocated funds remains a significant hurdle in hiring more teachers to meet the growing demand.
Senators’ Perspectives: A Clash of Priorities
Senators advocating for contractual hiring argue that it is a pragmatic approach to address immediate teacher shortages without burdening the government with additional retirement benefits and pensions.
However, concerns are raised about the potential demoralization of teachers and the need for a long-term, sustainable solution.
Conclusion: Navigating the Future of Intern Teachers
As the education landscape grapples with the complex interplay of legislative decisions, funding challenges, and the aspirations of dedicated intern teachers, the path to confirmation in 2024 remains uncertain.
Striking a balance between immediate needs and the long-term well-being of educators is crucial for fostering a robust and motivated teaching force in Kenya.
The journey ahead involves navigating through these challenges to ensure the fulfillment of promises made to interns and the sustained growth of the education sector.
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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.
