The Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Akello Misori has asked the National Treasury to allocate funds for the teachers’ employer, Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to facilitate for employment of intern teachers deployed in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) across the country on permanent and pensionable terms.
Akello, in a letter dated May 14, 2024, addressing the National Treasury, Parliament, and TSC seen by Education News said that learning in most JSS schools across the country have been paralysed as a result of the on-going demos by JSS teachers.
“For the second day running, learning has been paralysed in all JSS classes as the teachers protest. KUPPET affirms our readiness to work with the National Treasury and other government organs in resolving this issue within the law.
“The National Treasury should immediately initiate the process of earmarking resources for the TSC, to employ teachers on Permanent and Pensionable terms,” the letter reads in part.
KUPPET boss also called for a meeting with the TSC within seven days, aimed at exploring immediate solutions as well as a return to work formula for the JSS teachers.
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“Given the enormity of the crisis, we would appreciate meeting your side at the earliest convenience,” the letter reads.
The plea comes amid the refusal of JSS intern teachers to return to classrooms even as schools commence for the second term.
JSS teachers took to the streets countrywide, the recent ones being in Nairobi, Kericho and Meru counties where they voiced their frustrations protesting the failure of the commission to employ them on permanent terms.
The teachers demand that the TSC comply with the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) which ruled that their labour rights were violated by being employed as interns instead of on permanent and pensionable terms.
JSS teachers as of now are on a one year contracts with those posted in primary schools taking home a stipend of KSh15, 000 while for their counterparts receiving KSh20, 000.
By Vostine Ratemo
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