Tensions are rising among Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers in Machakos county as educators prepare to hold a large demonstration later this month, calling for better pay, job security and the implementation of court directives on their employment status.
The teachers, who are part of the teaching workforce introduced under Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), criticize the current monthly stipend of sSh17,000, calling it “a shame for a degree holder.”
Signs circulating on social media and in public forums also demand the government “confirm all 44,000 JSS interns,” urging that the thousands of teachers hired on internship terms be absorbed into permanent, pensionable employment.
The representatives of the group said they are frustrated by what they describe as delayed government action on key agreements and court rulings related to their recruitment and remuneration.
“We teach. We serve. We deserve,” read one of the slogans posted on protest materials circulating online.
In addition to financial concerns, the teachers are calling on President William Ruto to “obey court order[s],” a reference to recent judgments directing government agencies to address unresolved employment issues affecting JSS teaching staff.
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The organizers have confirmed that the demonstration will take place on 27th April 2026 at the SUSU Centre in Machakos, starting at 10:30 a.m.
The event is expected to draw hundreds of teachers from across the county, and organizers have pledged a peaceful protest focused on fairness, dignity and recognition of service.
“We won’t stop until it’s right,” a statement from the teachers’ leadership group read, capturing the mood of growing discontent within the sector.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC), which is responsible for hiring and deploying teachers across Kenya, has faced increasing pressure to respond to internship concerns.
Many educators argue that prolonged intern status, without clear pathways to permanent employment, undermines motivation and impacts the quality of instruction in schools.
Machakos is not alone in grappling with teacher staffing challenges. Similar disputes and calls for better conditions have emerged in other counties, highlighting nationwide unease among JSS teachers who feel underserved by current policies.
By our reporter
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