A peaceful demonstration planned by Junior School (JSS) intern teachers in Bungoma County has been called off after the Bungoma Officer Commanding Station (OCS) revoked the protest permit, citing security constraints caused by today’s Chwele–Kabuchai by-election.
The decision was communicated on Wednesday evening when the demonstration organiser visited the OCS office to finalize preparations.
According to teachers, the OCS stated that all police officers in the county had been reassigned to election-related duties, leaving insufficient personnel to provide security for a public gathering.
The OCS further indicated she may reconsider issuing a permit next week once the by-election concludes and normal operations resume.
The demonstration, which was set to take place at Kiwanya Ndege grounds in Bungoma Town, was organized by JSS intern teachers pushing for action on several unresolved concerns with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Their demands include immediate respect for existing court orders affecting Junior School teachers, confirmation of more than 20,000 JSS Science interns, and the establishment of clear and structured career progression guidelines for the newly introduced Junior School cadre.
Teachers say they have grown increasingly frustrated by prolonged delays, uncertainty, and lack of communication from the TSC regarding their employment status.
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Many argue that the internship system is being stretched beyond reasonable limits, creating a sense of exploitation and professional stagnation.
With their contracts nearing expiry, intern teachers have been rallying behind hashtags such as #ConfirmationNoRenewal, #PundaAmechoka, and #NoFreeLabour to amplify their frustrations.
The blocked demonstration, they say, is yet another setback in their push for job security and fair labour practices.
“We are simply asking for what is already in the law and what court orders have affirmed,” said one teacher who was part of the organizing team.
He added:“Delaying confirmations and ignoring legal directives is demoralizing. Teachers cannot continue working under intimidation and disappointment.”
Despite the revocation, the organizers remain hopeful that police will grant the permit after the by-election.
They insist that their movement will continue until the government and the TSC address their demands.
For now, JSS intern teachers in Bungoma will have to wait another week to take their grievances to the streets—hoping their voices will eventually be heard.
By Our Reporter
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