Fate of JSS Interns After Court Ruling, KUPPET

Fate of JSS Interns After Court Ruling, KUPPET. The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) representatives have raised concerns about the future of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) following a court judgment deeming it unlawful to engage junior school interns.

KUPPET administrators expressed apprehension about the uncertainty surrounding junior secondary schools and the potential absence of designated teachers for students.

In response to the court ruling, KUPPET has requested that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) refrain from appealing the Employment and Labour Relations Court’s (ELCR) decision. Instead, they urged the TSC to grant teachers employed as interns under contract permanent, pensionable terms.

At a press conference held at the KUPPET offices in Nairobi, the Secretary-General emphasized that the TSC should pursue equitable and lawful methods to address the gap in the teaching profession, rather than appealing the ruling.

Judge Bryrum Ongaya’s verdict highlighted that the TSC had violated fair labor practices by engaging interns who are qualified and hold teaching licenses. The court ruled that the commission’s hiring practices were discriminatory, primarily aimed at meeting staffing needs in public schools.

KUPPET accused the TSC of partisanship and neglecting its mandate as an independent state body responsible for hiring teachers as interns. Secretary Misori urged the TSC to collaborate with Parliament to secure additional funding to address the impending challenges facing the education sector.

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) echoed KUPPET’s sentiments, applauding the court’s decision as a victory for student teachers. The court’s ruling signifies a step towards ensuring fairness and professionalism in the education sector. Fate of JSS Interns After Court Ruling, KUPPET