TSC- Updates on the Confirmation of Intern Teachers
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is under increasing pressure from the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) to convert 46,000 intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms immediately. Akelo Misori, KUPPET’s Secretary General, has been vocal about this demand, emphasizing the urgent need for the government to fulfill its obligations to these teachers.
Key Demands and Concerns:
- Immediate Confirmation of Intern Teachers:
- KUPPET is pushing for the immediate conversion of 46,000 intern teachers into permanent employees. Misori has stated that this issue has been a priority for over a year, and he expects the teachers to receive their confirmation letters by the end of the month, with upgraded salaries reflected in their bank accounts soon after.
- Recruitment of Additional Intern Teachers:
- The union is also advocating for the hiring of 20,000 additional intern teachers specifically for Junior Secondary Schools (JSS). Misori has pointed out that even with this recruitment, there would still be a shortfall of about 73,000 teachers needed to adequately staff JSS schools.
- Criticism of Budget Cuts:
- Misori has criticized the government for reducing funding for the education sector, attributing these cuts to the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024. He argues that the government’s casual approach to teachers’ welfare is unacceptable, particularly given the critical role of education in the country.
- Call for Full Implementation of the CBA:
- KUPPET is insisting on the full implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), including the addendum agreed upon in August 2023. Misori emphasized that the benefits outlined in the CBA are non-negotiable and must be honored by the TSC.
- Impact of Budget Cuts:
- TSC Chief Executive Nancy Macharia, speaking before the National Assembly Education Committee, acknowledged that budget cuts have impacted the Commission’s ability to implement the second phase of the CBA. The TSC’s budget was slashed by Ksh 10.28 billion, which has affected programs, including the anticipated pay increase for teachers. Macharia warned that breaking the CBA could lead to legal action and strikes.
Government and TSC Response:
Dr. Nancy Macharia, in her address, noted that the austerity measures and budget reductions have constrained the TSC’s capacity to meet its obligations. Despite the challenges, the Commission has communicated the budgetary constraints to the Treasury and is working within the limited funds available.
Potential Consequences:
The ongoing tension between the TSC and teachers’ unions could lead to significant disruptions if the demands are not met. The unions have warned of possible strikes, and the situation could escalate further if the CBA is not fully implemented or if the intern teachers are not confirmed as promised.
Misori’s strong stance reflects the growing frustration among educators, and the situation underscores the importance of addressing teachers’ welfare to ensure stability in the education sector.
