KUPPET calls for compensation and permanent hiring of intern teachers

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has asked the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to compensate about 44,000 intern teachers and hire them on permanent and pensionable terms.

This follows a Court of Appeal of Kenya ruling that declared the teacher internship programme illegal and unconstitutional, saying TSC has no legal mandate to employ teachers on internship contracts.

Speaking during a press briefing at the union's headquarters, KUPPET Secretary-General Akello Misori said the ruling means the 44,000 intern teachers currently working in public schools are operating without a legal framework, and the only lawful option is to employ them permanently.

“The court ruling makes it clear that the internship programme has no legal backing. The Teachers Service Commission should move with speed to absorb the teachers into permanent and pensionable terms and compensate them for the work they have already done,” he said.

Misori added that the teachers have been performing the same duties as their permanently employed colleagues and deserve fair treatment.

“We cannot have teachers performing full duties in schools while being paid as interns. The commission must regularise their employment and ensure they receive the benefits they deserve,” he said.

The union is also urging Parliament to allocate sufficient funds so the teachers can be absorbed and compensated for the period they have worked under the internship programme.

The internship programme was introduced as a temporary measure to address teacher shortages in public schools, but it has faced criticism from unions who argue that it exposes teachers to poor pay and job insecurity.

KUPPET now says the court decision presents an opportunity for the government to fully address the issue of teacher employment and ensure qualified teachers are given stable jobs in the education sector.