The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is appealing to more than 44,000 intern teachers to stay on duty as tensions rise over a possible nationwide strike that could disrupt learning in junior secondary schools.
The appeal comes days after teachers took to the streets demanding to be employed on permanent and pensionable terms. They also want the commission to give a clear plan showing when and how the hiring will be done.
In a statement on Friday, TSC Acting CEO Evaleen Mitei asked the teachers to remain calm as the commission works on improving their conditions.
“We urge our teachers to remain committed in their work as the Commission strives to improve their terms and conditions of service and their general welfare,” she said.
TSC has maintained that it currently does not have enough funds to absorb all the interns on permanent terms.
The commission on Thursday received a reprieve after the Supreme Court of Kenya issued an order restraining the implementation of a ruling that had deemed the teacher internship program illegal.
Initially, the Court of Appeal had ruled against the program, thus creating doubts over its possible cancellation. However, the intervention of the Supreme Court in suspending the judgment came at an opportune moment for the commission since the matter was still in court.
Mitei said ending the programme suddenly would have affected millions of learners, especially in junior secondary schools where many intern teachers are based.
“The sudden termination of the programme would have been extremely disruptive and detrimental to the interests of more than two million Junior School students,” she said.
According to TSC, over two million students across the country depend on intern teachers for learning support.
The commission stated that it is currently working in conjunction with the National Treasury and Parliament to source funds that would facilitate employment of teachers.
Meanwhile, the court hearing on the matter is expected to give the legal verdict regarding the fate of the program.
The issue of possible withdrawal of the scheduled teachers’ strike action has yet to be resolved, with some refusing to resume work until all their demands are met.
