Unemployed P1 teachers have announced a mass demonstration in Nairobi to protest what they describe as systemic injustices in teacher recruitment and employment.
The educators are demanding transparency and fairness in hiring practices, citing concerns over favoritism, corruption, and the lack of opportunities despite years of waiting.
During a recent address, a representative of the group highlighted frustrations over graduates from earlier years being overlooked for employment, while more recent graduates secure positions.
They accused the relevant authorities of discrimination, stating that teachers who have remained unemployed for over a decade feel sidelined despite their qualifications and commitment to the profession.
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One protester claimed, “We are the future generators of this nation, yet we are being ignored. If the government does not listen to us, how can we deliver quality education to the next generation?”
Another added, “The government keeps announcing the recruitment of thousands of teachers, but in reality, only a fraction is employed. This is deceitful and unacceptable.”
The teachers also allege widespread corruption in the hiring process, with reports of demands for bribes as high as KSh 100,000 to secure employment.
They have called on the government to investigate and eliminate such practices, ensuring that hiring decisions are based solely on merit.
The group has submitted petitions to various government offices, including the Parliamentary Education Committee and the Teachers Service Commission, but claim to have received no meaningful response.
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In response, they have resolved to take to the streets on the announced date, emphasizing that their unity will demonstrate their resolve.
The planned demonstration seeks to highlight the plight of over 400,000 unemployed teachers and push for urgent reforms in teacher recruitment policies.
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