MPs to Meet TSC Over Hiring of 46,000 JSS Intern Teachers
The National Assembly Education Committee is set to meet with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) tomorrow to discuss the employment of 46,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers. Additionally, the TSC will update the committee on the status of promotions for teachers in their 40s and 50s.
Background on Intern Teacher Employment
Recently, the Court of Appeal suspended plans to employ these 46,000 intern teachers on permanent and pensionable terms. This decision followed a ruling by the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) that had mandated the TSC to convert the internship positions. Justices Asike Makhandia, Sankale Ole Kantai, and Ngenye Macharia ruled to halt the conversion until the case is resolved.
The TSC has argued that the ELRC’s orders disrupted their financial planning, as they lacked the necessary budget to make these positions permanent. TSC lawyer Allan Sitima emphasized the commission’s financial constraints, stating that transitioning the interns without adequate funding would violate the educational rights of public school learners under Articles 43 and 53 of the Constitution.
Financial Shortfall
The government has allocated Sh13.4 billion for this purpose, but the TSC initially estimated that Sh16.6 billion was necessary, leaving a Sh3.2 billion shortfall. This financial gap has created significant challenges for the commission in its efforts to transition the intern teachers to permanent positions.
Allocation of Funds
The Sh13.4 billion allocation came after months of disputes, including a strike, layoffs, and an ongoing court case involving the interns and the TSC. Despite this substantial allocation, it falls short of the TSC’s financial needs to fully implement the transition.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u had proposed this allocation during the presentation of the 2024-25 budget to Parliament, but it does not completely cover the TSC’s requirements.
Meeting Objectives
The upcoming meeting aims to:
- Discuss Employment Plans: Address the suspension of the conversion of 46,000 intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms.
- Financial Planning: Evaluate the financial gap and explore possible solutions to secure the required Sh16.6 billion.
- Teacher Promotions: Update on the status of promotions for teachers in their 40s and 50s.
- Ensure Educational Continuity: Ensure that the rights of learners are not compromised due to the financial and employment uncertainties faced by the TSC.
The outcome of this meeting is crucial for the future of the 46,000 intern teachers and the overall stability of the educational system in Kenya.
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