TSC orders intern teachers to return to their jobs.
In the face of continuous protests, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has ordered teachers participating in the Teacher Internship Program to return to their regular work.
In response to the recent dissatisfaction among teacher interns, TSC stated in a press release to the media on Tuesday, May 14, that the national government’s Teacher Internship Program intends to provide educators with real-world work experience.
The TSC acknowledged the legal challenge, addressing the concerns expressed by the Forum for Good Governance and Human Rights, who had petitioned the court against the Teacher Internship Program.
TSC stated that although the court found in the petitioner’s favor, the decision was put on hold until August 1, 2024.
“Media reports on teacher intern demonstrations have brought the attention of the Teachers Service Commission.” The Commission would want to declare the following:
i. The national government’s Teacher Internship Program seeks to give participants real-world work experience.
ii. The Teacher Internship Program was challenged in court by the Forum for Good Governance and Human Rights.
iii. The petitioner was granted a victory by the court, but the decision was then postponed until August 1, 2024, according to TSC.
In spite of the continuing legal processes, the TSC stressed how crucial it is to follow the court’s directive.
They advised the program’s teaching interns to get back to their designated schools as soon as possible.
“The Commission requests that the teacher interns involved in the program follow the court’s directive and return to class, since all public schools officially resumed on May 13, 2024. According to TSC, the Commission is still devoted to and receptive to matters impacting the Teaching Service.
Interestingly, on May 13, 2024, classes in all public schools officially resumed.
TSC, Students
On Monday, May 13, 2024, junior secondary school teachers in Makueni and Nakuru Counties staged a walkout to demand better compensation and permanent work status.
2,419 educators from 11 sub-counties in Nakuru banded together and boycotted classes until their demands were satisfied.
Citing a recent court decision that declared intern teaching jobs unlawful, they demanded that interns be verified and paid for their internship term.
A ruling was made three weeks ago by the Employment and Labour Relations Court, stating that the instructors Service Commission (TSC) had engaged in unfair labor practices by providing internship opportunities to licensed and qualified instructors.
In line with Justice Byrum Ongaya’s decision, the commission can only employ qualified candidates—not interns or student teachers—who are registered. The teachers are now demanding terms of employment that are both permanent and pensionable.
Spokesman Erastus Mawewu in Wote, Makueni County, expressed his displeasure at receiving only Ksh17,000 despite his qualifications. Mawewu emphasized that although they were first informed that internship contracts were forbidden by the court, they had been offered a one-year non-renewable contract.
He underlined how committed they were to teaching the new curriculum, which frequently covered subjects they had not been taught in college.
Even after completing four years of college, many believe that the government devalues and marginalizes them. Their stance is unwavering: they won’t go back to work until they receive proper recognition and treatment.
“The deal was for a one-year, non-renewable contract, which frustrates us. After bringing a matter to court, we were informed that internship contracts were unconstitutional, according to Mawewu.
TSC orders intern teachers to return to their jobs.
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