New Twist as JSS Teachers Split Over KUPPET Deal

A division has risen between Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers after a section of them signed an agreement with the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) to resume work.  

JSS splinter group however dismissed the deal saying they can only recognize an agreement between them and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) or the Parliament Labor Committee

“Intern teachers have no employer-employee relationship with TSC therefore they cannot purport to train teachers who are not their employees, Teachers should remain on demonstrations on Monday onwards until further notice,” said the splinter group.

In the agreement, KUPPET agreed with TSC to withdraw all show-cause letters that had been issued to the striking intern teachers.

“We have agreed that the TSC will retract all the warning letters issued to JSS teachers,” KUPPET boss Akelo Misori told journalists after signing the agreement.

Also Read: Intern Teachers to Enjoy Permanent and Pensionable Terms

Consequently, the JSS splinter group declined this statement saying KUPPET has no right to deploy such an agreement on their behalf.

“KUPPET cannot purport to withdraw the show cause letters challenged in court unless they are the ones who sent those show cause letters,” said a member of the splinter section.

KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori, noted that Ksh8.3 billion should cater for all intern teachers hired in January 2023 while Ksh4.68 billion earmarked for new recruitment should strictly be used for permanent and pensionable employment.

Contrary to the proposed 26000 interns by KUPPET the splinter section demands a retention of 46000 interns, adding that the agreement must also be between them and TSC

“Our demand remains to be confirmation of 46000 interns and any agreement or deal must engage the right party,” said the splinter section.

Also Read: Ruto Addresses Teachers Asking JSS Parents to Pay School Fees 

National Assembly Affirmation

This arose after the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairperson Ndindi Nyoro revealed that the government will employ Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers on permanent and pensionable terms.

Speaking on Citizen TV, during a past interview, Nyoro said the government has set aside Ksh300 billion in the 2024/2025 Financial Budget for the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to employ JSS intern teachers on strike.

“TSC is the number one highest funded institution in Kenya with over Ksh300 billion. We want to confirm JSS teachers, and I want to reassure them that we are going to provide money for the confirmation of permanent and pensionable terms to intern JSS teachers,” Ndindi Nyoro said.

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