The delayed confirmation of 20,000 intern teachers into permanent and pensionable employment before their internship contracts expire has alarmed TSC, according to the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET).
KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori wrote to the Teachers work Commission (TSC) on November 3, 2025, expressing concern that the interns had not yet received their confirmation letters after completing a year of work.
The period falls after the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) at the end of the third school term.
“The teachers have fully done one year in service and should have received their letters of confirmation by now,” Misori said in the letter.
What JSS Teachers Want
“The least we expected was for the Commission to be issuing confirmation letters to the teachers within this week.”
KUPPET demanded an assurance from the TSC that the confirmation process will be treated as a high priority, explaining the need for timely action to prevent further anxiety among the teaching fraternity.
The union’s call comes amid growing concerns from JSS teachers, many of whom fear uncertainty over their future employment status.
The TSC has yet to issue a public response to the union’s letter, leaving thousands of teachers awaiting clarity on their permanent employment status.
CS Ogamba on Autonomy of JSS teachers
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Mr. Ogamba, outlined ongoing reforms and the autonomy of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers during his appearance before the Senate on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
“The process of reforming Junior Secondary to respond to any emerging concerns is in progress. At the appropriate time, Parliament will be presented with proposals for its consideration,” Ogamba explained.
He reassured lawmakers that teachers are being fully prepared to handle the new curriculum.
“All teachers in Junior School have undergone retooling to fully equip them with the necessary pedagogical skills to handle the new curriculum. The retooling exercise covered both pedagogy and content in all learning areas,” he said.
Plans to Hire More Teachers
Ogamba also explained efforts to address teacher shortages in critical subjects.
“In the latest recruitment drives, teachers of sciences, mathematics and technical subjects were given priority to address the shortages in those key areas,” he explained.
He also stated that practical learning continues despite some schools lacking dedicated laboratories.
“Currently, schools without dedicated laboratories have designated rooms equipped to support practical components. We have instructed Junior Schools to use their infrastructure repair, maintenance and improvement allocation to establish laboratories. This allocation provides Ksh.4,000 per learner annually,” the CS stated.