Learning in public junior secondary schools across Kilifi County could be disrupted this term after teachers signalled plans to stage demonstrations over unresolved employment grievances.
The educators say prolonged delays in confirming them into permanent and pensionable positions, uncertainty over their terms of service, and inadequate medical cover continue to undermine both their welfare and effectiveness in the classroom.
They have warned that unless the issues are addressed, protests will go ahead, increasing the risk of interrupted learning.
The teachers are demanding permanent and pensionable employment, as well as a more comprehensive health insurance scheme.
They have also raised concerns over the Social Health Authority (SHA), questioning its adequacy, and are calling for junior secondary sections to be managed separately from primary schools where they are currently domiciled.
The planned action is being led by Kenya Junior School Education (KJSE) national chairperson Nehemiah Kipkorir, who warned that the situation could escalate if authorities fail to act swiftly.
“Teachers want to be confirmed. The Court ruled that it is illegal for teachers to be interns and therefore as teachers of Kilifi County, we are calling on the President and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to comply with the judgment,” he said.
Kipkorir added that the current contractual arrangements disadvantage them by denying benefits enjoyed by permanently employed teachers.
“We are also teachers, just like others. We also want to benefit from what other teachers are getting. Mr President, many of us have families that depend on us, and the Sh17,000 we are being paid is not enough to sustain our livelihoods,” he said.
Another teacher, Geoffrey Nyabuoka, urged the government to fast-track their transition to permanent terms, arguing that their performance warrants job security.
“We have been facing financial hardship, and enough is enough. Earning Sh17,000 is frustrating. The government must confirm us on permanent terms, or we will call for a national strike,” he said.
In Kilifi town, the teachers staged a peaceful march through the central business district before proceeding to the TSC Kilifi office, where they submitted a petition outlining their demands.
KJSE national secretary Kahindi Tso Kadzo also criticised the SHA scheme, saying teachers are now contributing more towards universal health coverage than under the previous Minet arrangement. She cited the Sh1,200 outpatient allocation, which she said is largely consumed by mandatory consultation fees, leaving little for actual treatment.
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