The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has renewed the contracts of 20,000 junior school intern teachers for an additional 12 months, a move that has stirred widespread outrage across the country.
The decision, made in line with President William Ruto’s directive, has crushed hopes of immediate absorption into permanent and pensionable terms.
Many intern teachers, who have been serving under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), were optimistic that their confirmation was imminent.
After months of dedicated work in junior secondary, they believed earlier assurances indicated that their contracts would be upgraded. Instead, they now face another year marked by uncertainty and frustration.
The extension has since triggered a nationwide class boycott. Intern teachers have taken to the streets and social media to express their anger, accusing the government of exploitation and unfulfilled promises.
Hashtags such as #ConfirmInternsNow continue to trend as educators demand fair treatment.
Teachers argue that the KSh 20,000 monthly stipend is too little to sustain them, especially amid soaring living costs.
Many say the prolonged insecurity surrounding their employment has taken a psychological toll, while others warn that such conditions may deter aspiring educators from joining the profession.
TSC, however, insists that the extension is necessary due to budget limitations and policy guidelines. Critics strongly disagree, stating that the government is undermining its commitment to elevating the status of the teaching profession.
Education stakeholders are now calling for urgent dialogue between the Ministry of Education and TSC.
Parents have also raised concerns about the impact of the boycott on learners, particularly those in the crucial junior secondary stage.
As tensions escalate, the future of thousands of students remains uncertain. Intern teachers are standing firm in their demand: dignity, recognition, and a clear path to permanent employment. Whether the government will heed their call is yet to be seen.