The government has signalled it may extend JSS intern teachers contracts for another year if funds to convert them to permanent and pensionable (PNP) status are not released. Education CS Julius Ogamba told the National Assembly that extension is an available option, while Treasury CS John Mbadi has separately indicated funds will be allocated for confirmation in January 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Possible contract extension: Up to 20,000 junior school intern teachers could have their contracts renewed for one year.
- Funding uncertainty: The Ministry of Education says it has no current budget for PNP conversions; Treasury has announced a Ksh 5.4 billion allocation.
- Current pay: Interns earn a stipend of Ksh 20,000 (about Ksh 17,000 net after statutory deductions).
- Conversion process: If confirmed, interns will move to job group C2, undergo six months’ probation and then be placed on permanent and pensionable terms.
Background: who the JSS interns are
The junior secondary school (JSS) intern programme recruited teachers who began serving on one-year contracts from 1 January to 31 December 2025. These interns were deployed to support the roll-out of the Competency Based Education (CBE) junior secondary curriculum and currently receive a monthly stipend of Ksh 20,000 before deductions.
What Education CS Julius Ogamba said about contract extensions
Appearing before Parliament on 5 November, CS Ogamba explained that converting interns to permanent and pensionable status requires funds the ministry currently does not have. He said extending existing internship contracts is a practical option if National Treasury resources are not made available in time.
Treasury’s position and the January 2026 timeline
Treasury CS John Mbadi has publicly assured interns that confirmation to PNP terms will occur in January 2026, stating a commitment of Ksh 5.4 billion. The two public statements—one from Education and one from Treasury—reflect a difference in emphasis: the ministry highlights budget constraints, while Treasury gives a firm funding timeline.
Pay, benefits and expected earnings after confirmation
Currently interns take home approximately Ksh 17,000 after NHIF, housing levy and NSSF deductions. Should the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) confirm them to PNP, the entry placement is expected to be job group C2. That placement would raise net monthly earnings to about Ksh 38,000 in non-hardship areas and Ksh 47,000 in hardship zones. Confirmed teachers also gain access to medical cover, leave entitlements and loan eligibility.
How conversion and recruitment will work
- Where funding is available, TSC is expected to advertise 20,000 permanent JSS posts—likely in December.
- Serving interns would receive 50 marks in the recruitment exercise, effectively guaranteeing conversion if they meet documentation requirements.
- To complete the transition from internship to PNP, interns will be required to present a valid national ID card and undergo a six-month probationary period before full confirmation on PNP terms.
- TSC will carry out document verification in December and post confirmed teachers to schools in January to bolster the CBE rollout.
Past context and recent recruitment trends
Previous rounds of intern recruitment and industrial action shaped current policy. In 2024, thousands of interns pushed for confirmation through nationwide action; many were absorbed into the PNP payroll in January 2025 after negotiations. The ministry has also signalled plans to recruit additional junior school intern teachers in 2026 and is finalizing a separate recruitment of 24,000 interns to support junior secondary classes.
What interns and school managers should do now
- Prepare documents: Ensure national ID and qualification documents are current and ready for TSC verification.
- Monitor official notices: Watch for TSC announcements regarding advertisement dates and document verification timelines.
- Understand pay changes: Keep copies of current payslips and learn how payroll will change on conversion from stipend to PNP.
- Plan for transition: If posted to new schools, prepare lesson plans aligned to the junior secondary curriculum and CBE requirements.
Why this matters for CBE and classroom stability
Extending or confirming interns affects classroom continuity and the nationwide roll-out of the junior secondary Competency Based Education programme. More permanent staffing stabilises teaching quality and helps schools implement the new curriculum. School leaders should use available curriculum materials while awaiting final staffing decisions; for example, teaching teams can access JSS curriculum designs and broader CBC curriculum designs to align lessons. For senior school planning, the Grade 10 curriculum designs are also useful for transition planning.
Summary: likely outcomes
In short, the most immediate outcomes are either a contract extension for interns if Treasury funds do not reach the ministry in time, or a mass confirmation to PNP in January 2026 if the Ksh 5.4 billion allocation proceeds. Interns should prepare documentation, familiarise themselves with CBE materials, and expect a six-month probation if converted to permanent roles.
