The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers Nyeri branch has escalated pressure on the government, demanding the immediate confirmation of intern teachers into permanent and pensionable positions or risk a boycott that could disrupt learning activities.
Addressing journalists on Saturday, Nyeri Branch Executive Secretary Francis Wanjohi issued a firm ultimatum, insisting that all teachers currently serving under internship terms must be formally absorbed before schools reopen for the second term next week.
Wanjohi said the continued reliance on internship arrangements has created uncertainty among teachers and undermined morale across the profession. He argued that many of the affected educators have been carrying full teaching responsibilities despite lacking job security.
Union raises alarm over job security and delayed payments
According to the union, the delay in confirming intern teachers has persisted for years, leaving thousands in limbo despite repeated government assurances. Wanjohi emphasized that transitioning these teachers into permanent roles is essential to stabilizing the education sector.
Intern teachers, he said, are performing the same duties as permanently employed staff but remain disadvantaged in terms of job security and long-term benefits.
The union has previously raised similar concerns through official channels but says progress has been slow, increasing frustration among its members.
Beyond job confirmation, the union also highlighted the issue of low wages for intern teachers. Many have reportedly endured extended periods of reduced pay despite handling full workloads in classrooms.
Wanjohi said these teachers deserve fair compensation that reflects their contribution to the education system, noting that their role remains critical in addressing staffing gaps in public schools.
He added that prolonged delays in improving their terms risk weakening morale and could ultimately affect the quality of education delivered to learners.
The union further raised concerns over delays in payments for teachers who participated in marking last year’s national examinations. Wanjohi warned that failure to settle pending dues could trigger further industrial action.
He said teachers may boycott this year’s national examination marking exercise if the government does not honour its obligations, a move that could disrupt a key component of the country’s education calendar.
Wanjohi maintained that teachers cannot continue to offer essential services without timely compensation, warning that patience within the profession is wearing thin.
The union is now urging relevant authorities to act swiftly to resolve the issues, stressing that confirming intern teachers, improving compensation and clearing pending payments are necessary steps to restore confidence within the teaching workforce.
As the second term approaches, attention now turns to the government’s response and whether it will move quickly to avert a potential disruption in schools.
