A renewed wave of hope swept across Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers in Monday as thousands of JSS interns from across the country converged online with one mission — to rally for their full confirmation into permanent and pensionable terms.
The virtual meeting, held on November 3 at 8:00 p.m., was not just another gathering. It was a demonstration of resilience, unity and a burning desire for dignity among educators who have for months worked under uncertain terms, holding the backbone of Kenya’s competency-based curriculum.
Chaired by Nehemiah Kipkorir, the session brought together passionate voices from Kwale to Bungoma, Baringo to Embu, and as far as Migori — all echoing one message: “Confirm the 20,000 serving JSS interns.”
During the discussion, members celebrated a key milestone. Their petition to the Senate has already been handed over and is expected to reach Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Their efforts attracted the attention of Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka who has also thrown his weight behind the educators’ plea, igniting fresh optimism in the grassroots movement.
At the National Assembly, the interns are equally making headway. Embu representative David Kimanthi Kariuki briefed members that MP Gitonga is set to table the petition in Parliament — a move that has energized the teachers’ campaign.
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With plans underway to formally engage the Clerk of the National Assembly and deliver handwritten signatures for legitimacy, the interns are leaving nothing to chance.
To steer the cause, the educators endorsed an interim national leadership team featuring representatives from several counties, signalling a coordinated and organized movement. More importantly, slots were deliberately reserved for female teachers, reflecting a commitment to inclusive leadership.
But beyond petitions and structures, lies the heart of the story — thousands of young teachers who show up every morning in classrooms, nurturing Kenya’s future while battling financial strain and uncertainty.
“This is not just about employment,” one member remarked during the session. “It is about dignity, stability, and recognition for our sacrifice.”
As the meeting closed, members pledged to amplify their online campaign through the hashtag #CONFIRM20KJSSSERVINGINTERNS, urging Kenyans and leaders alike to stand with them.
With pens ready for signatures, parliamentary corridors opening, and a united spirit burning bright, the JSS interns are stepping into a critical week — one that may define the future of thousands of young educators and the learners they serve.
As one participant put it, “We teach hope every day. Now, we are fighting for our own.”
This comes amid the unclear fate of the intern educators whose contacts are in its tail end. However the teachers’ employer has remained mum with the national treasury not setting aside the budget for the confirmation of the bedrocks of the CBE implementers.
By Philip Koech
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