Kerugoya
Tuesday May 14 2024
KNA by Grace Njoki
Interns at Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) Kirinyaga have embarked on a strike, citing grievances over an extended internship duration. Originally contracted for one year, the interns assert that they were unjustly retained for an additional year, a move deemed illegal by the court. Central on their demands is the prompt their confirmation on permanent and pensionable terms, in accordance with an earlier agreement with the teachers’ Service Commission (TSC).
The interns who staged a demonstration in Kutus town in Kirinyaga County vowed to continue with the strike until their grievances are heard by the government.
Led by their Kirinyaga Chapter Chairperson, Moses Gachoki, they said the court declared their internship illegal and will be defying court orders if they continue working as interns. They also expressed concerns over reports TSC’s calling letters being distributed in political gatherings calling the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the issue.
Gachoki also noted the letters might be benefiting those who graduated recently while others who graduated back in 2017 are still working on a contract basis.
“The court declared internship illegal and we can’t continue working as interns. We have seen reports of TSC calling letters being distributed in political gatherings, and we demand that the EACC opens an investigation into the matter. Letters go to recent graduates yet those who graduated long ago are on streets begging for jobs,” Gachoki said.
Josphat Kariuki, another JSS intern, expressed frustration condemning what they perceive as systemic corruption within the TSC. Kariuki highlighted disparities, questioning the logic behind recent graduates swiftly attaining permanent status while those from earlier years remain trapped in internships, receiving meager salaries.
He appealed for solidarity from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), underscoring the importance of collective support in their pursuit for justice.
“It is sad that we are on the streets instead of classrooms, we are taxpayers like other Kenyans and internship moneys is not enough to pay bills. I call upon teachers’ unions like KUPPET and KNUT to support us because once we get permanent jobs they start running to us.” Kariuki said.
James Gichuki, parent, rallied behind the interns, emphasizing the importance of upholding labor rights for a conducive educational environment.
Parents’ support underscores the broader implications of the standoff, extending beyond the interns’ immediate concerns.The fate of education at JSS classes hangs in the balance, awaiting resolution to the protracted dispute.
Courtesy: KNA