Big Win for Junior Secondary School Teachers: Over 40,000 to Be Permanently Employed
Permanent Employment for Junior Secondary School Teachers
More than 40,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers in Kenya will now be employed on permanent and pensionable terms. This announcement was made on Tuesday during a press briefing by the Finance Committee of the National Assembly, following a Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House.
Key Meeting Precedes Finance Bill Tabling for Junior Secondary School Teachers
The Parliamentary Group meeting was held just hours before the Finance Bill, 2024, was to be presented in Parliament. This comes amidst widespread protests, dubbed “Occupy Parliament,” urging the National Assembly to reject the bill.
Financial Commitment for Junior Secondary School Teachers
Molo MP Kimani Kuria, chairman of the committee, confirmed that Ksh18 billion has been allocated for the employment of Junior Secondary School teachers. Last month, the teachers had gone on strike to demand permanent employment.
Addressing Teacher Shortage with Additional Junior Secondary School Teachers
To address the ongoing teacher shortage, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) plans to hire an additional 20,000 interns next month.
“Funds have also been provided to hire 20,000 interns next month. The policy now focuses on transitioning Junior Secondary School teachers from internship to permanent and pensionable terms,” Kuria added.
Controversial Proposals Dropped from Finance Bill for Junior Secondary School Teachers
In a relief to many Kenyans, the committee announced the removal of contentious proposals from the Finance Bill, 2024, which would have imposed heavy taxes.
“Public participation is central to our law-making process. You spoke, and we listened. The Finance Bill, 2024, has undergone significant alterations following the invaluable submissions from the public hearing. This administration listens to its people’s needs. Your voices have shaped this bill, reflecting our collective aspirations and concerns,” said Leader of Majority Party Kimani Ichung’wa.
Kenya Kwanza’s Commitment to Junior Secondary School Teachers and the Public
Ichung’wa assured the public that the Kenya Kwanza government is committed to easing the high cost of living.
“We must strike a balance between raising revenue and not overburdening Kenyans. While delicate, Kenya Kwanza remains sensitive to the people. Together, we are building a more inclusive and responsive government,” he stated.
In Other News: Mastering the Art of Increasing Website Traffic