Governor Asks TSC to Reinstate Sacked JSS Intern Teachers
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has urged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to reinstate intern Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers who were recently dismissed.
Termination letters were issued on June 10 to 742 JSS teachers, citing their participation in a strike as the reason for their dismissal.
The termination letters indicated that the internships were terminated effective June 6, 2024, due to professional misconduct. Specifically, the teachers were accused of deserting duty starting from May 13, 2024.
TSC also highlighted that some teachers provided unsatisfactory reasons for their absence, while others did not respond to the show-cause letters sent on May 13.
Governor Barasa argued that the dismissed teachers are victims of circumstances, emphasizing that picketing is a right recognized by the Constitution.
Representing the Council of Governors, he demanded the reinstatement of the JSS teachers, citing a precedent where striking doctors were unconditionally reinstated following negotiations.
Employment Terms and Conditions
Barasa also called for a change in employment terms, advocating for the JSS teachers to be hired on permanent and pensionable terms.
He pointed out that many schools lack proper infrastructure, and JSS teachers are working under challenging conditions.
TSC estimates that it would cost taxpayers Sh30 billion to convert all 46,000 intern teachers to permanent positions by July 1, 2024. However, the Treasury has allocated Sh13.4 billion for this purpose in the 2024-25 Budget.
The dismissal of the teachers occurred just two days after they ended a nationwide strike that began on April 17. This strike was halted to allow the passage of the Budget.
Governor’s Commitment to Education
Governor Barasa reaffirmed his commitment to improving education in Kakamega County.
In the current financial year, the county government has constructed 60 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers, one in each ward, at a cost of Sh274 million.
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Additionally, ECDE teachers have been employed on pensionable terms, and tuition fees have been provided to 925 centers.
Barasa announced plans to launch a school feeding program across all ECD centers in the 60 wards soon, aiming to further support early childhood education.
Governor Asks TSC to Reinstate Sacked JSS Intern Teachers
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