TSC Extends Internship Contracts for Teachers For 4 Months
Intern teachers recruited in September last year will see their contracts extended by four months, running from September 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, as they await confirmation in January 2025.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced that this extension will be available to those willing to renew their contracts, with the renewal process expected to be completed by August 30, 2024, ensuring no disruption in service.
In the extension letters sent to intern teachers, TSC acknowledged their contributions and emphasized that the extension aims to continue enhancing their skills through practical experience, mentorship, coaching, and exposure.
The Commission noted that the teachers’ contracts were set to expire on August 31, 2024, and stated that the extension would be under the same terms and conditions from September 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.
Background and Challenges
The first group of teachers under this internship program was initially hired in January last year, and their contracts were extended at the beginning of 2024.
These teachers have been advocating for permanent employment and even went on strike in May and June.
Their demand for permanent terms is also one of the key issues being championed by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), who are currently on strike. The TSC has appealed a High Court ruling that declared the recruitment of teachers as interns unlawful.
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Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba revealed that the government has set aside Sh18.7 billion to transition the intern teachers to permanent and pensionable positions by January 2025.
He reassured teachers of the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns, despite the country’s fiscal constraints.
The CS mentioned that resources have been allocated for implementing the second phase of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement from July 2024, and for retooling teachers to support the Competency-Based Curriculum.
Resolution of Strike Issues
Mr. Ogamba also highlighted that many of the issues that led to the strike notices have been addressed or are in the process of being resolved.
He urged teachers who had not yet returned to work to resume their duties to ensure candidates are prepared for national assessments and that the syllabus is covered to enable smooth transitions across various educational levels.
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On the matter of funding for trainees in National Polytechnics and Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions, the CS stated that the government is coordinating with the National Treasury to begin disbursing Sh3.3 billion in capitation, scholarship grants, and loans for trainees.
Despite the ongoing efforts to resolve the situation, Kuppet has maintained that the nationwide teachers’ strike is still on, even after the High Court issued an order suspending it. The court suspended the strike called by Kuppet, pending the hearing and determination of a case filed by the TSC.
TSC Extends Internship Contracts for Teachers For 4 Months
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