Teachers in several Kenyan counties have intensified protests against the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the government over poor pay, job insecurity for interns and issues with the Social Health Authority (SHA) system. Demonstrations in Busia, Nyandarua and Kisii have halted school operations at the start of the second term. Unions have issued a 14-day ultimatum in Kisii.
Teacher protests have spread across several counties as schools reopen for the second term. Educators are voicing grievances against the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the government, citing poor compensation, insecurity for intern teachers and problems with the Social Health Authority (SHA) system.
In Busia, teachers have vowed to shut down school operations until their concerns are addressed. Charles Mukhwana, Secretary-General of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Busia, urged the government to confirm intern teachers, pay KNEC markers and fix SHA issues.
Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers in Nyandarua protested in Ol Kalou, demanding permanent and pensionable positions following a court ruling that deemed their internship status unconstitutional. Many degree-holding teachers complained that their Ksh17,000 monthly salary fails to cover basic living costs. They pressed TSC to confirm them promptly and provide compensation.
In Kisii, the KUPPET branch demonstrated for a review of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to correct pay disparities favouring administrators. They seek a reliable medical cover to replace SHA, permanent employment for interns and recognition of JSS as autonomous secondary schools. Teachers highlighted chronic shortages from the 100 per cent transition policy and Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), with classes of 70 students and 30 lessons weekly causing burnout.
"Teachers are not beggars. We are professionals demanding dignity. If the employer cannot listen, we will make them listen through action," said Abel Kinyanchui, Executive Secretary of KUPPET in Kisii. The union gave a 14-day ultimatum, threatening a full boycott next month.