JSS Teachers Lobby Group Meets TSC Over 46,000 Interns Confirmation: Issues Adressed.
The Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers’ lobby, led by spokesperson Omari Omari, held a meeting with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), where CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia was present.
According to Omari Omari, several concerns raised by the lobby in a previous meeting were addressed, providing clarity on key issues affecting JSS intern teachers.
1. Terminated Moguls’ Stipend:
The TSC has committed to ensuring that all terminated intern teachers (referred to as “moguls”) who have returned to work but haven’t received their August stipend will be paid by the end of the month.
Teachers who have not yet reported back to school are encouraged to do so to receive their payment.
2. Mental Health Support for Interns:
The lobby highlighted the mental health struggles of intern teachers, including depression caused by financial stress, which has tragically led to several deaths.
The TSC has urged affected teachers to seek help from the Wellness Department, which can recommend assistance or even transfers if needed. Teachers are also encouraged to report any rights violations.
3. Legal Concerns Over Teacher Internship:
The JSS lobby reiterated its stance that internships for qualified and registered teachers are illegal.
They urged the government and TSC to find alternative solutions to address the teacher shortage in the country. The current internship system, they argue, amounts to exploitation.
4. Absorption of Interns into Permanent Roles:
TSC CEO Dr. Macharia announced that all working interns—whether from the first or second batch, replacements, or those who were terminated—will be absorbed into permanent and pensionable (PnP) positions.
The government has not yet provided funds for the exercise, but the Treasury has given TSC the go-ahead to begin the recruitment process for 46,000 intern teachers.
Interns are encouraged to prepare their documents, as the recruitment procedure will follow the law.
5. Demand for Compensation:
The lobby confirmed that once interns are absorbed into permanent positions, they will demand compensation for the period served under internship.
They plan to pursue this through legal action or protests, insisting that the government must pay for the two years of service under internship.
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The JSS lobby remains firm in its commitment to fighting for the rights of intern teachers, with the slogan “Aluta continua!”
JSS Teachers Lobby Group Meets TSC Over 46,000 Interns Confirmation: Issues Adressed.
