The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has notified plans for nationwide peaceful demonstrations by junior school intern teachers demanding TSC confirmation on permanent and pensionable terms, resolution of Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance challenges, and payment of delayed KNEC exam invigilation fees. The protests are scheduled to begin on 27 April, the day schools reopen, and follow a Court of Appeal ruling that declared the TSC internship programme null and void.
Key Takeaways
- TSC confirmation is the main demand: interns want permanent, pensionable employment.
- About 44,000 junior school intern teachers are affected by the internship policy and court ruling.
- Kuppet also seeks clearing of delayed KNEC invigilator payments and fixes to the SHA insurance scheme.
- The government and TSC are studying the Court of Appeal decision and assessing legal and financial implications.
- TSC is seeking funds to confirm 20,000 interns by January 2027, leaving many still uncertain.
Background: why interns are striking
The strike notice follows years of tension over the TSC internship model for junior school teachers. Kuppet says the interns are fully trained and registered teachers and therefore should not be employed on internship contracts. The Court of Appeal supported this view, ruling that the internship programme is unlawful when applied to trained teachers.
TSC confirmation: Court ruling and implications
The Court of Appeal found that the TSC internship policy can only apply to trainee teachers, not those already qualified and registered. As a result, interns and Kuppet argue that immediate TSC confirmation is the lawful and fair remedy for these teachers. The Education Ministry and TSC have said they are studying the ruling to determine the next legal and financial steps.
Numbers and timelines
TSC originally hired 20,000 junior school interns in January 2025 on one-year contracts and later extended them through December 2026. In January 2026 the Commission employed an additional 24,000 interns, bringing the total to about 44,000. TSC has told lawmakers it is seeking funding to confirm 20,000 of those interns by January 2027, leaving significant uncertainty for the remainder.
Other strike drivers: insurance, autonomy and payments
Beyond confirmation, Kuppet lists several linked grievances:
- SHA insurance problems: Teachers report challenges in accessing health benefits under the Social Health Authority scheme.
- Junior school autonomy: Unresolved policy aspects affecting management and staffing of junior schools.
- Delayed KNEC payments: Invigilators say they are still owed fees dating back months, which undermines trust and morale.
Impact on schools, parents and exams
Peaceful demonstrations planned for the reopening day could disrupt normal school operations, classroom coverage, and exam logistics if not managed proactively. Delays in paying invigilators can affect future exam administration and the integrity of assessment cycles. Schools are advised to prepare contingency plans and communicate clearly with parents and learners.
What teachers and interns should do now
- Document employment contracts, registration certificates, and any correspondence with TSC.
- Engage union representatives for guidance and legal support.
- Keep records of unpaid invigilation fees and submit formal claims through union channels.
- Follow official communication from TSC and the Ministry for verified updates on confirmation and funding timelines.
How policymakers can respond
Clear, time-bound communication from TSC and the Ministry is vital. Possible steps include fast-tracking funding proposals for confirmations, setting up a taskforce to resolve SHA insurance access, and issuing a timetable for settling outstanding KNEC payments to invigilators.
Resources for teachers and schools
Teachers seeking curriculum and exam resources may find these guides helpful while staffing and assessment matters are resolved:
- Junior Secondary School curriculum designs — useful for lesson planning and alignment.
- CBC exam practice and resources — supports primary and junior school assessment preparation.
- KCPE past papers and revision — for primary school learners and teachers preparing candidates.
The situation remains fluid. Teachers, parents and school leaders should watch for official announcements from TSC and the Ministry and use union channels for clarification and support.
