More than 20,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers have appealed to their confirmed colleagues to support them in pressing the government to finalize their confirmation letters, describing the delay as “demoralizing” and unfair.
Nehemiah Kipkorir, national chairperson for JSS interns, said confirmed teachers have a duty to stand with interns because challenges affecting one segment of the workforce ultimately affect the entire education system.
“We call upon confirmed JSS teachers to team up with us. You cannot pick the fruit at the top and leave the one at the bottom. We all belong to the same tree,” Kipkorir said.
The interns have been waiting for confirmation from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for months’ despite carrying full responsibilities in classrooms, including teaching and administrative duties. Many interns say their morale is low as uncertainty about their employment status persists.
He added that interns were disappointed that the issue of confirmations was not raised during a recent meeting between JSS teachers and President William Ruto at State House Girls.
“It was a missed opportunity. We feel invisible. Confirmed teachers must remember that our struggle is part of their own,” Kipkorir said, emphasizing the importance of unity.
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Kipkorir also called on the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) to advocate on behalf of the interns.
He appealed to religious leaders to provide moral support and urged parents to back the cause, noting that stable, motivated teachers directly benefit learners.
The interns highlighted that Ksh 3.5 billion is required to complete their confirmations.
They insist that the government must act promptly to ensure fairness, recognize their service, and maintain stability in the JSS workforce.
“We are not asking for favours. We are asking for dignity, recognition, and for confirmed teachers to join us in this fight. Our unity will strengthen education in Kenya.”
The interns say they will continue pressing for answers until the government provides clear timelines for confirmation, warning that delays could affect learning outcomes and teacher morale across the board.
By Mosoti Mogambi
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