Ruto Gives Clear Direction on the Future of JSS Teachers
President William Ruto has given a firm assurance on the future of junior secondary school (JSS) teachers, announcing that all JSS interns will now be placed on permanent and pensionable terms after serving for two years.
His announcement comes at a time when the education sector has been tense, with fears that unresolved employment issues could disrupt the next academic calendar.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday evening, the President explained that the government had reached a final decision to end the long wait and uncertainty facing JSS teachers.
He noted that many of these teachers have been serving as interns, yet they continue playing a crucial role in supporting the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
“We decided that JSS interns will be absorbed on permanent and pensionable terms after two years of service; there will be no debate about it,” Ruto stated firmly.
He also urged the media to help spread the message to every intern, assuring them that once they complete the two-year period, their confirmation will be automatic and free from unnecessary delays or negotiations.
The President’s direction comes at a time when pressure had been mounting for the government to employ more than 20,000 JSS intern teachers whose contracts are close to expiry.
Many of the teachers have been arguing that they deserved to be confirmed after one year of service, noting that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) had not yet regularized their employment status despite earlier promises.
In 2024, Ruto had made a similar announcement, assuring the country that all JSS teachers would be placed on permanent terms by the end of the year. However, this promise was never implemented, fueling frustration and nationwide concern about the welfare of those serving under the new curriculum structure.
The renewed commitment by the Head of State comes as anxiety continues to grow around the working conditions of JSS teachers operating under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
Their concerns became more pronounced in June 2024 when JSS teachers went on strike, prompting the Budget and Appropriations Committee to direct TSC to urgently confirm all the internship teachers.
At the time, Committee Chairperson Ndindi Nyoro, who is also the Kiharu MP, confirmed that funds had already been set aside in the 2024/2025 Financial Year to support the transition of the JSS interns into permanent roles.
This year, the push for reforms has intensified. JSS teachers are now demanding full autonomy and a complete separation from both primary and senior secondary schools.
They want the government to create an independent administrative structure specifically for junior secondary learners, arguing that being placed within primary schools has caused confusion in managing co-curricular activities, leadership roles, and daily administration.
During a meeting on Saturday, September 20, the teachers emphasized that the current arrangement disrupts the smooth running of JSS programs and undermines their professional identity.
They insist that a separate structure would offer clarity, better organization, and stronger academic support for learners transitioning into the junior secondary level.
Overall, Ruto’s latest directive is expected to bring relief to thousands of teachers, though many will be watching closely to see if the government finally fulfills its promise this time.
Join Government Official WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
