Ndindi Nyoro Demands Answers from TSC, Claims Funds Have Been Released
In a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding the employment of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers, Kiharu Member of Parliament, Ndindi Nyoro, has called out the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to expedite the permanent employment of JSS interns.
Nyoro, who also serves as the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee chairperson, disclosed that the government had already allocated Ksh18.7 billion for this purpose, leaving no room for delays.
Speaking during a Form Four motivation talk and prayer session in Eldorai Constituency, Nandi County, Nyoro emphasized that the process of employing the 46,000 JSS teachers should not be prolonged. He stressed that the TSC must provide clear and immediate communication regarding the confirmation dates.
“Provide official communication to the JSS teachers on the date that you are going to confirm them into permanent and pensionable employment,” Nyoro urged, adding, “Give that official communication so that the teachers can know and budget themselves.”
The employment of JSS teachers has been a contentious issue, forming a critical part of the teachers’ strike that was recently called off.
The strike, which lasted for six days and ended on September 2, 2024, was sparked by the revelation from Parliamentary Education Committee Chairman, Julius Melly, that the government planned to employ only 26,000 JSS interns in the first phase, far fewer than the expected 46,000.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) rejected this phased approach, demanding that all 46,000 JSS interns be confirmed into permanent and pensionable positions. “We want all the 46,000 JSS interns to be confirmed into permanent and pensionable terms; they should be compensated for the period they have worked,” insisted Charles Ngeno, KUPPET Executive Secretary, Narok Branch.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Melly acknowledged that many JSS interns were suffering from depression due to underpayment, arguing that the current stipend of Ksh17,000 was insufficient.
The issue has garnered legal attention as well, with Justice Bryrum Ongaya of the Employment and Labour Relations Court ruling that the TSC had violated the interns’ right to fair labor practices. “Ideally, the first respondent should hire registered teachers on non-discriminatory terms and to satisfy public school staffing needs as best as possible,” Justice Ongaya stated in his verdict.
As the row continues, all eyes are now on the TSC to see how they will address the growing pressure and clarify their stance on the matter.
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Ndindi Nyoro Demands Answers from TSC, Claims Funds Have Been Released
