The Government Fast-Tracks Permanent Contracts for JSS Teachers Amidst Teacher Strikes
In a significant shift for the Kenyan education sector, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the government have committed to offering Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers permanent and pensionable contracts by the end of 2024. This move comes after months of protests and strikes by teachers who were dissatisfied with their intern status and the low wages associated with it.
Earlier, 26,000 JSS teachers hired in January 2023 under an internship program were scheduled to be confirmed on permanent terms in 2025. However, due to pressure from teachers and the intervention of the National Assembly, this timeline has been moved up. The Budget and Appropriations Committee allocated KSh 8.3 billion to ensure that these teachers begin receiving permanent contracts from July 2024
Despite an initial agreement signed in June 2024, which saw teachers return to work, some educators continued to push for faster confirmations, refusing to resume teaching until they were assured of permanent status. In response, President William Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to completing the transition to permanent contracts before the year’s end.
This decision marks a critical point in stabilizing the JSS workforce, helping to ensure the smooth implementation of the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC). With the new budgetary allocations, teachers can now expect improved job security and benefits as the education sector moves forward.
