Kwale Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers have dismissed the extension of their internship period for two years, insisting that their appointment letters clearly outline a one-year engagement.
The teachers, who held a peaceful demonstration at the Ukunda Showground in Msambweni Sub-county on Friday, November 14, 2025, said President William Ruto’s recent statement suggesting a two-year internship was misleading and inconsistent with the contracts they signed.
They warned that they will not resume teaching duties in January unless the government and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) confirm them on permanent and pensionable terms.
Kwale KUPPET branch Executive Secretary Leonard Oronje accused the government of shifting its position and disregarding legally binding agreements.
“JSS teachers reject the President’s remarks that the internship should run for two years, yet our letters clearly indicate 12 months. Besides, TSC has no authority to keep teachers on internship indefinitely,” said Oronje.
He argued that the internship framework is irregular, exploitative and contrary to labour and human rights standards.
Oronje stressed that the interns are fully qualified teachers who must be absorbed into the system and given fair treatment like other public servants.
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He cautioned that if the government fails to regularise their terms, the interns are prepared to launch demonstrations across the country.
“It won’t be business as usual, and we are going to lead Kenyans, not teachers alone into a nationwide demonstration until we ensure our brothers and sisters get what is due to them,” he said
He added that they will also take the issue to court to demand justice and compensation for all interns teachers employed since 2010 up to date.
Oronje also clarified that during the teachers’ previous meeting at State House, no discussion or consensus on extending the internship was reached.
The union official raised concern over the emotional toll the current working conditions have had on the interns.
He revealed that many teachers are overwhelmed, with some reportedly struggling with severe stress due to low pay and heavy workloads.
“I get numerous distress messages from teachers, sometimes in the middle of the night. Many say they have reached their limit,” he said.
Teacher Mangale Juma maintained that JSS interns will not step back into classrooms in January if their status is not upgraded to permanent and pensionable.
He accused the government of using the internship arrangement as a convenient avenue for cheap labour, undermining teachers’ professional growth.
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“President, we are asking you that internship is not a source of cheap labor. We are graduates and we are supposed to be paid as others that begin from C2,” he said.
Another teacher, Maureen Njoki, said the Ksh17, 000 monthly stipend is insufficient to cover basic expenses, especially amid tough economic times
She added that many interns serve in poorly equipped schools, making their daily work even more challenging.
Njoki said JSS intern teachers’ families are falling apart because of huge debts and poor payments.
James Mutembei said the financial struggles have pushed many interns into debt, eroding their dignity and weakening the respect they command from students.
He said teachers have accumulated debts everywhere subjecting them to stress and mental health.
Omar Mwajabe
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