JSS Teachers Seek Clarification on Employment Status
Over 20,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers are urging the government to clarify their employment status following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill, 2024.
These teachers, who have been working as interns for two years, are concerned about whether their positions will be converted to permanent roles as previously promised.
President William Ruto indicated that some funds from the proposed bill were intended to employ JSS teachers. With the bill’s withdrawal, the teachers, represented by the National Parents Association, are left in uncertainty.
Secretary General Eskimos Kobia emphasized that the progress made in the new education system could be at risk if the government does not fulfill its promise.
Impact on Teacher Morale and Education System
Kobia reported that the intern teachers are currently demoralized due to the ambiguity surrounding their employment.
“There is anxiety over what happens to the JSS intern teachers after the President rejected the Finance Bill meaning a slash in budgetary allocation,” Kobia said.
He stated that delaying their permanent employment would render them unproductive and negatively impact the education system.
Additionally, Kobia voiced concern about ongoing demonstrations disrupting the education calendar.
He noted that schools in urban areas had been affected, with students staying home or leaving school early due to the disturbances.
The initially peaceful demonstrations had escalated into conflicts with the police, further affecting learning.
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An anonymous JSS teacher warned of severe consequences if the government fails to employ them as promised. He expressed hope that budget cuts following the bill’s rejection would not impact the funds allocated for teacher employment.
JSS Teachers Seek Clarification on Employment Status
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