The tutors, drawn from across the country, took to the streets in several towns, including Nairobi and Mombasa, decrying what they termed as unfair labour practices under the current internship programme.
They are demanding the immediate employment of all 44,000 teachers currently serving as interns under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the teachers warned that learning in public schools will continue to be disrupted if their grievances are not addressed urgently.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the teachers warned that learning in public schools will continue to be disrupted if their grievances are not addressed urgently.
The protests have already affected learning for a second consecutive week, with many classrooms left unattended.
The interns argue that the stipends they receive are disproportionately low compared to the workload they handle, noting that they perform the same duties as fully employed teachers without the corresponding benefits.
“We are demanding that the 44,000 interns be confirmed immediately. Failure to meet this demand will see us remain on the streets, and there will be no science subjects in those schools,” one of the protesting teachers declared.
The standoff has intensified following recent court rulings that declared the internship programme unlawful. Both the Employment and Labour Relations Court and the Court of Appeal have faulted the arrangement, emboldening the teachers to push for full employment.
As a result, many interns have refused to return to classrooms for the second term, insisting they will only resume duty once they receive official appointment letters confirming their status.
The protests have also drawn support from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers, which has accused the government of failing to act despite clear legal direction.
KUPPET Nairobi branch Executive Secretary Isaac Masenge said the government missed an opportunity to resolve the impasse during the recent supplementary budget, which he argued should have allocated funds to absorb the intern teachers into permanent positions.
“Courts have already declared the internship programme illegal, and we expected that the supplementary budget passed about three weeks ago would provide funds to confirm these teachers. Unfortunately, that has not happened,” Masenge said.
He warned that the government risks a prolonged education crisis if it does not urgently engage stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and teachers’ unions, to find a lasting solution.
The interns have also expressed frustration with what they describe as contradictory government actions, alleging that while they remain in limbo, new teachers continue to be recruited.
With tensions rising, the dispute now poses a significant challenge to the education sector, especially as schools struggle to maintain normal learning schedules.
The interns argue that the stipends they receive are disproportionately low compared to the workload they handle, noting that they perform the same duties as fully employed teachers without the corresponding benefits.
“We are demanding that the 44,000 interns be confirmed immediately. Failure to meet this demand will see us remain on the streets, and there will be no science subjects in those schools,” one of the protesting teachers declared.
The standoff has intensified following recent court rulings that declared the internship programme unlawful. Both the Employment and Labour Relations Court and the Court of Appeal have faulted the arrangement, emboldening the teachers to push for full employment.
As a result, many interns have refused to return to classrooms for the second term, insisting they will only resume duty once they receive official appointment letters confirming their status.
The protests have also drawn support from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers, which has accused the government of failing to act despite clear legal direction.
KUPPET Nairobi branch Executive Secretary Isaac Masenge said the government missed an opportunity to resolve the impasse during the recent supplementary budget, which he argued should have allocated funds to absorb the intern teachers into permanent positions.
“Courts have already declared the internship programme illegal, and we expected that the supplementary budget passed about three weeks ago would provide funds to confirm these teachers. Unfortunately, that has not happened,” Masenge said.
He warned that the government risks a prolonged education crisis if it does not urgently engage stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and teachers’ unions, to find a lasting solution.
The interns have also expressed frustration with what they describe as contradictory government actions, alleging that while they remain in limbo, new teachers continue to be recruited.
With tensions rising, the dispute now poses a significant challenge to the education sector, especially as schools struggle to maintain normal learning schedules.
Stakeholders warn that unless a compromise is reached soon, the prolonged unrest could have far-reaching consequences on students’ academic progress.
Post a Comment