Nakuru JSS teachers down tools to demand permanent jobs

 JSS teachers demonstrate along Kenyatta Avenue, Nakuru City, on May 13, 2024. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Junior Secondary School teachers in Nakuru have vowed not to resume work until their demands are met.

The JSS teachers on Monday demonstrated along Kenyatta Avenue insisting that the government should convert their contract to permanent and pensionable terms.

The teachers' chairperson Stanley Metobo said they will stay put even as schools reopen for second term.

“We have downed our tools, we are not going back to school due to government efforts of failing to take JSS matters seriously,” Metobo said.

He lamented that he completed his one-year internship programme as promised by the government but his contract was extended instead of being converted to permanent and pensionable terms.

Metobo called on the government to honour its pledge to prioritise the welfare of the teachers.

He said JSS teachers should be compensated for the period they have worked terming the contract illegal.

Fazul Mwangi called on the government to obey court orders indicating that the internship was against the law.

Mwangi alleged that MPs had misused their powers by giving employment letters to their allies making it difficult to secure a chance.

“Unfortunately, the MPs are the ones dishing out employment letters, which has since encouraged nepotism and discrimination inconveniencing those not privileged,” he said.

He noted that the Sh17,000 salary per month was not sufficient to cater for their needs following the high cost of living.

Cecilia Wangechi claimed that the government has mistreated and failed them after using their resources to attain a degree.

“The government has failed us, they called us painters and cleaners, yet we are trained, qualified, and licensed teachers who should be respected,” she said.

Wangechi said that efforts to secure employment letters have been futile.

She urged the Teachers Service Commission not to allow politicians to interfere with their mandate as they have taken advantage of their vulnerabilities.