Education Crisis as Junior Secondary School (JSS) Teachers Continue Strike.
The ongoing strike by intern teachers has significantly disrupted learning in Grades Seven and Eight across thousands of public schools. Now in its second week, the protest has left Junior Secondary School (JSS) learners without teachers, exacerbating an already severe staffing shortage that has plagued JSS since its inception last year.
Despite the disruption in public schools, private schools remain unaffected, with their classes continuing as usual. The conflict between intern teachers and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has reached a critical point, with teachers demanding permanent and pensionable employment, following a favorable ruling from the Employment and Labour Relations Court last month.
The Controversial Teacher Recruitment Program
In 2019, the government initiated a contentious program to recruit teachers on one-year contracts. Currently, there are 46,000 intern teachers, the majority of whom are under JSS, covering Grades Seven, Eight, and soon-to-be Grade Nine, which will commence in January. These intern teachers are vital to JSS, and their absence has caused a dire situation that requires immediate attention. According to Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Secretary-General Akello Misori, this issue transcends labor disputes and directly impacts education quality.
KUPPET has appealed to the TSC, the National Assembly Committee on Labour, and the National Treasury to resolve the deadlock. However, as of yet, no response has been forthcoming, leaving the situation unresolved.
Schools Struggling to Cope
At AIC Visa Oshwal Primary School in Kabarnet, Baringo County, the absence of six contracted teachers forced the headteacher, Mr. William Bowen, to hire four trainee teachers to educate the 386 JSS students. Similarly, Kilifi Primary School in Kilifi County has relied on teachers hired by the board of management and trainees on teaching practice to manage 168 Grade Seven and 186 Grade Eight students.
At Seguton Primary School in Kabarnet, the two contracted teachers have not returned, leaving one permanent teacher to handle the 80 JSS learners. Primary school teachers have had to step in to assist and prevent the students from idling all day.
North Rift Region Challenges
In the North Rift region, many non-local teachers have yet to return from the holidays, further compounding the crisis. A teacher in Turkana County reported facing intimidation from senior TSC officers and police interference when attempting to stage peaceful protests.
On Tuesday, JSS teachers in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, demonstrated, insisting they would not return to work until their demands are met. However, learning at Kitale School continued uninterrupted, with all nine teachers, including four interns, present, as reported by headteacher Mr. David Luganda.
Wellington Waliaula, chairperson of the Trans Nzoia Parents Association, expressed his concern, urging the government to address the issue promptly to ensure children can continue their education.
Read also:
- State Urged to Address Concerns Raised by Intern Teachers Amid Nationwide Strike
- TSC Threatens to Dismiss Absent Intern Teachers Amid Protests
- KUPPET Stands with Intern Teachers: Urges Negotiations Amid Strike
- Upholding Merit in Employment: TSC’s Response to JSS Intern Teachers’ Strike
Calls for Permanent Employment
During the recent demonstrations, JSS teachers reject a statement from National Assembly Education Committee Chair Julius Melly, urging them to resume work on the promise that TSC will employ 26,000 teachers on permanent and pensionable terms in January. The teachers insisted they would only end their strike upon receiving formal communication from the TSC confirming the change in employment terms for all 46,000 teachers, not just a portion.
In Kapenguria town, protests continued, highlighting the widespread discontent among JSS teachers. At Basi Primary School in Kilifi County, only one permanently employed JSS teacher was present. A teacher in Rabai argues that the few permanent teachers are overworking and struggling to manage all the learners.
KUPPET’s Frustration and Government Response
KUPPET’s Kilifi branch vice executive secretary, Zacharia Opollo, expressed frustration over the lack of effective learning, stating that headteachers are desperately seeking university students to fill the teaching gaps. He emphasized that the ongoing situation is wasting a generation of students.
In response to the crisis, the TSC has allocated Sh8.3 billion in the 2024-2025 budget to employ 26,000 contract teachers on a permanent basis starting in January 2025. Of these, 4,000 will be primary school teachers, and 22,000 will be for secondary schools. However, this plan leaves out 20,000 teachers who will not meet the two-year service requirement by the end of the year.
Additionally, the TSC has been allocated Sh4.68 billion to hire 20,000 more teachers on contract. This initiative is part of the Kenya Kwanza government’s manifesto to bridge the shortage of 116,000 teachers by employing 58,000 more at a cost of Sh25 billion per year. If adequately funded, all teachers could be hired on permanent and pensionable terms, potentially resolving the current crisis.
In conclusion, the ongoing strike by intern teachers has highlighted significant issues within the JSS system, primarily the need for permanent and pensionable employment. The government and TSC must act swiftly to resolve the dispute, ensuring that education for Grades Seven and Eight is not further disrupted. Addressing these concerns is crucial to maintaining the quality of education and preventing the loss of an entire generation of learners.
Education Crisis as Junior Secondary School (JSS) Teachers Continue Strike.
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