Teacher Service Commission (TSC), members of the Kericho County Assembly have renewed calls for the reinstatement of the 700 Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers who were recently dismissed. Led by Mathew Korir of Chaik Ward, the assembly members expressed their discontent with TSC’s decision, highlighting the adverse impact it has had on the interns and their families.
Korir, addressing the press today, underscored the constitutional right to picketing, emphasizing that the interns were unfairly dismissed for exercising this right. “The constitution allows for picketing and demonstrations but TSC has sacked JSS interns on the account of picketing. In Kericho County, we have contractual staff in the health department who demonstrated recently but they were not sacked,” Korir stated. He condemned the dismissal as unjust and urged the parliament to intervene and overturn the decision.
The dismissal of the JSS interns has stirred significant controversy and drawn widespread criticism from various quarters. The Teacher Service Commission had terminated the interns’ contracts last month after they allegedly failed to respond to show-cause letters issued for their participation in demonstrations. The interns had been advocating for their conversion into permanent and pensionable positions, a demand that resonated with many within the teaching fraternity.
The plight of the dismissed interns has not only attracted the attention of the Kericho County Assembly but also that of teachers’ unions. The unions have been vocal in their opposition to the dismissals, calling on TSC to reinstate the affected teachers. They argue that the interns were merely exercising their right to protest for better employment terms, a right enshrined in the constitution.
Weldon Rogony of Sigowett echoed Korir’s sentiments, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the dismissals on his sub-county. “This Sub-County of Soin/Sigowett was the worst affected by the dismissals. The affected teachers are suffering a lot and we want to ask TSC to withdraw the termination letters and reinstate the interns and this will be a win for all of us,” Rogony said. He stressed the need for TSC to reconsider its stance and recognize the legitimate grievances of the interns.
The dismissed interns have reportedly been struggling with the abrupt loss of their employment, leading to significant financial and emotional distress. Korir and Rogony both emphasized that the dismissals have not only shattered the interns’ hopes but also those of their families who had placed high expectations on their continued employment.
Teachers’ unions have also been at the forefront of the campaign for the reinstatement of the dismissed interns. They argue that the interns’ demands for permanent and pensionable terms are reasonable and should be met by TSC. The unions have called for a more empathetic approach from TSC, urging the commission to engage in dialogue with the affected teachers and address their concerns.
The controversy surrounding the dismissal of the JSS interns has sparked a broader debate about the rights of contract and intern teachers in Kenya. The case has highlighted the precarious nature of their employment and the need for more robust protections for their rights. The Kericho County Assembly’s call for the reinstatement of the dismissed interns is a significant step in this ongoing struggle for better employment conditions for teachers.
As the debate continues, the affected interns and their families remain hopeful that TSC will heed the calls for their reinstatement. The support from the Kericho County Assembly and teachers’ unions provides a glimmer of hope for a resolution that will not only restore the interns to their positions but also pave the way for improved employment terms for all teachers in similar situations.
