TSC,KUPPET AT ODDS OVER THE INTERN TEACHERS RECRUITMENT & CONFIRMATION
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) are at odds over the hiring of student teachers.
The dispute stems from the union’s complaints about the TSC’s recent pronouncements.
The TSC said last week that teachers on active contracts would receive an additional year of employment before their terms of service are reviewed in a letter to members of parliament.
TSC Director of Teachers Staffing Antonina Lentoijoni said that after two years on the job, the 46,000 educators in question would be upgraded to permanent and pensionable (PNP) status.
There are two kinds of interns, Lentoijoni explained; those who started on February 1 and those who started on September 1. The February crew can look forward to contract renewal notices in the mail in December.
Speaking before the National Assembly’s Education Committee, which is chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, KUPPET urged the TSC to uphold its promise.
The union asked that after their first year of teaching, interns be given full-time, permanent jobs with benefits like a pension.
Secretary-General of KUPPET Akelo Misori is worried that the TSC’s proposal will have a demoralising effect on teachers in elementary and junior high schools.
Misori emphasised that the TSC has not taken measures to permanently engage the teachers once their current contract expires in January 2024, despite the obvious specification in the employment contract for a one-year internship.
Misori emphasised the difficulties these educators endure, such as earning only half of their due wage and being taxed at the same rate as their peers. Deductions for the Housing Levy and the NSSF are required.
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