KUPPET Rejects 46,000 JSS Teachers Recruitment Via Competitive Process.
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has rejected the government’s proposal to hire intern teachers on permanent terms through a competitive process.
The union argued that the plan contradicts promises made by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) regarding the employment of interns.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba informed the National Assembly Committee on Education that 46,000 teachers would be hired competitively, in compliance with the Constitution and relevant laws.
He stated that successful candidates would be confirmed in their positions by January 1, 2025, according to the approved budgetary allocation timelines. However, this statement sparked backlash from Kuppet, which opposed the directive.
Kuppet’s Opposition
Kuppet’s Secretary-General, Akelo Misori, pointed out that intern teachers, who have worked diligently for two years, have a binding contract with the TSC that guarantees their confirmation on permanent and pensionable terms without the need for a competitive hiring process.
Misori emphasized that Kuppet rejected Ogamba’s directive that required these teachers to reapply for their jobs.
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The TSC had previously pledged to employ the interns on permanent terms, a move seen as crucial in addressing staffing shortages, especially at Junior Schools.
Kuppet Chairman Omboko Milemba warned of potential unrest among teachers if the government did not honor this promise.
He added that the interns had been vital to maintaining the country’s education system and criticized the Education CS for causing unnecessary tension.
Discontent Among Educators
Milemba expressed dissatisfaction with Ogamba’s comments, describing them as irrational and contrary to the wishes of teachers. He questioned if the minister wanted to provoke teachers into boycotting work and returning to the streets.
The chairman noted that interns have played a critical role in the success of Junior Schools and argued that undermining their contributions would harm the sector’s progress.
Milemba further highlighted that parliamentary resolutions and a presidential order had already outlined the absorption of intern teachers on permanent and pensionable terms.
Both the Budgetary and Appropriations Committee of the National Assembly and President William Ruto had made commitments on this issue, which had been central to resolving a recent teachers’ strike.
Kuppet warned that failure to keep these promises could lead to another work boycott.
Kuppet’s Call to the Government
The union called on the government to address the teachers’ grievances, warning of potential industrial action.
Milemba reminded the government that the Education CS is not the employer of teachers and should focus on resolving other pressing issues, such as the non-disbursement and non-remittance of funds to schools, rather than interfering with matters within the jurisdiction of the TSC.
Meanwhile, the CS faced additional criticism from university lecturers.
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Recently, the Universities Academic Staff Union dismissed Ogamba’s claims that a consensus had been reached on salary negotiations, signaling broader dissatisfaction with his handling of education sector issues.
KUPPET Rejects 46,000 JSS Teachers Recruitment Via Competitive Process.
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