Intern Teacher Contracts Extended for Four Months by TSC

Intern Teacher Contracts Extended for Four Months by TSC.

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has extended the contracts of intern teachers recruited in September last year for an additional four months. This extension, from September 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, will give these educators more time to refine their skills while awaiting confirmation of their positions in January 2025. The extension aims to ensure uninterrupted service in schools and addresses some of the pressing concerns raised by the teaching community.

TSC has communicated that the renewal process for these contracts must be completed by August 30, 2024. This step is essential to maintain continuity in education and prevent any disruption in teaching services. In their extension letter, TSC acknowledged the valuable contributions made by intern teachers, highlighting how their efforts have significantly enhanced learning outcomes at their respective schools.

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The TSC’s letter expressed appreciation for the teachers’ commitment and growth through practical experience, mentorship, and coaching. The letter further noted that the original contracts would have expired on August 31, 2024. However, the commission extended them for four months under the same terms and conditions.

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The first group of teachers on contract was hired in January 2023 and had their contracts renewed at the beginning of 2024. These teachers have been advocating for permanent employment, and in response, they staged strikes in May and June 2024. Their demand for permanent terms of employment is also backed by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), which is currently on strike. Despite a High Court ruling that declared the recruitment of teachers as interns unlawful, the TSC has appealed the decision, arguing for the need to continue with the program.

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Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba announced that the government has allocated Sh18.7 billion to support the transition of intern teachers to permanent positions. This funding will facilitate the move to permanent and pensionable positions in January 2025. Ogamba assured teachers of the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns despite the country’s financial challenges.

The government has also allocated resources to implement the second phase of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), starting in July 2024. Additionally, resources have been provided to retool teachers for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). These measures are part of the government’s broader strategy to improve the education sector and respond to the needs of educators.

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Ogamba further noted that the government has addressed most of the issues that led to the strike notices and plans to resolve the remaining ones soon. He urged teachers who haven’t resumed work to return to their stations, emphasizing the importance of preparing students for national assessments and completing syllabi on time. This preparation is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition across different education levels.

Despite ongoing negotiations and government efforts, Kuppet has maintained that the nationwide teachers’ strike will continue despite a court order suspending it. On August 27, 2024, the High Court suspended the strike pending the hearing of a case filed by the TSC. The outcome of these negotiations and legal proceedings will significantly impact the future of the intern teachers and the broader education sector.

Intern Teacher Contracts Extended for Four Months by TSC.

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