JSS Intern Teachers in Embu Down Their Tools Over Delayed Confirmation

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The agitated teachers took to the streets, chanting slogans and carrying placards, as they vowed not to return to classrooms until their demands are addressed.

They accused the government of neglecting their plight, saying they have continued to offer essential teaching services despite remaining under internship terms for an extended period.

The educators faulted the Head of State over the issuance of confirmation letters, arguing that such processes fall squarely under the mandate of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

According to the teachers, any form of political involvement in recruitment and confirmation undermines the independence of the commission.

They revealed that more than 44,000 JSS teachers across the country are still serving under internship terms, a situation they described as unfair and demoralizing.

In Embu County alone, 709 teachers have remained interns for the past two years without confirmation, despite playing a key role in implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Speaking during the protest, their representative James Kinyua said the delay has caused frustration among teachers who feel undervalued. Kinyua noted that the educators will only resume normal teaching once they receive formal confirmation into permanent and pensionable terms by the TSC.

His sentiments were echoed by Rogers Murimi, the Executive Deputy Secretary of the Embu branch, who criticized the authorities for failing to honor commitments made to the teachers. Murimi added that the uncertainty surrounding their employment status has negatively affected morale and service delivery in schools.

Nancy Nzwili also addressed the gathering, expressing disappointment with the Court of Appeal for overturning a High Court ruling that had declared the internship programme unlawful.

She said the earlier judgment had given teachers hope that their status would soon be regularized, only for those expectations to be dashed.

Hillary Njuki emphasized the need for greater professional autonomy within schools, stating that JSS teachers must be recognized as key players in the CBC framework under the 2-6-3-3-3 system.

The teachers urged the TSC to act swiftly and decisively to resolve the matter, warning that continued inaction will further disrupt learning in Junior Secondary Schools.