TSC Job Reapplications Shatters Expectations of Permanent Employment for 46,000 Intern Teachers.
Hopes for automatic confirmation for 46,000 intern teachers were dashed when the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) advertised vacancies for the very positions these teachers hold.
This forced them to reapply for their jobs despite expectations of direct absorption into permanent roles.
The TSC’s notice opened applications for 6,000 primary school positions, 39,550 junior secondary, and 450 senior secondary school vacancies, causing surprise among the contract teachers, some of whom have been working since early 2023 under the assumption of guaranteed employment.
Teachers have been given until October 7, 2024, to submit their applications, after which they will undergo interviews. These teachers, commonly referred to as interns, must reapply for roles in their current counties, sub-counties, or workstations.
The interns previously went on strike in May, demanding better terms of employment. Currently, primary school interns earn Sh15,000 per month, while those in junior and secondary schools receive Sh20,000 monthly.
Interns’ Frustration Over Reapplication Process
Many of the affected teachers have expressed frustration and disappointment. They feel the reapplication process undermines their efforts and contributions.
Micheal Owino, an intern teacher in Siaya, shared that he and his colleagues feel disrespected, as their hard work and dedication seem unappreciated.
He lamented that after working tirelessly, they are now facing job uncertainty once again, even after being assured of permanent employment.
Marion Wairimu, another intern teacher from Nairobi, echoed similar sentiments.
She highlighted the frustration of having worked for over a year only to be asked to reapply, rendering her previous efforts seemingly insignificant.
Government and Union Involvement
Earlier in August, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba had announced plans to meet teachers’ demands. These include hiring 20,000 additional teachers and confirming the 46,000 junior school (JS) teachers on permanent and pensionable terms by January 2025.
Mr. Ogamba reassured the teachers that the government was committed to making their positions permanent within the stipulated timeframe, emphasizing that there should be no cause for concern.
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On August 28, 2024, the TSC extended the contracts of 20,000 interns for an additional four months, offering contract extensions to those willing to continue.
In its latest advertisement, the TSC stated that interns will only need to present their identity cards during the verification process, easing the burden of reapplication.
Qualifications and Union Advocacy
The TSC’s advertisement outlined the qualifications required for the positions. Candidates applying for primary school positions must hold a P1 certificate, while those applying for junior secondary and senior secondary roles must have a minimum of a diploma in education.
Akelo Misori, the secretary-general of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), has assured interns that the union is committed to advocating for their rights.
He emphasized that KUPPET had been informed by the employer that the advertised vacancies were exclusively for the 46,000 interns currently serving.
Misori explained that the commission’s scoring system guarantees these interns a perfect score of 100 per cent during interviews, effectively ensuring their absorption into permanent and pensionable employment. He expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that this had been the union’s goal.
In summary, despite the TSC’s reapplication notice causing anxiety and frustration among intern teachers, both the government and KUPPET have reassured them of their path toward permanent employment.
However, the process and communication have led to widespread concern and disillusionment within the teaching community.
TSC Job Reapplications Shatters Expectations of Permanent Employment for 46,000 Intern Teachers.
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