By Shaban Omar
Kwale Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers have dismissed claims that their internship period has been extended to two years, insisting that their appointment letters clearly outline a one-year engagement.
The teachers, who held a demonstration at the Ukunda Showground in Msambweni Sub-county on Friday, November 14, 2025, said President William Ruto’s recent statement suggesting a two-year internship was misleading and inconsistent with the contracts they signed.
They warned that they will not resume teaching duties in January unless the government and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) confirm them on permanent and pensionable terms.
Kwale KUPPET branch Executive Secretary Leonard Oronje accused the government of shifting its position and disregarding legally binding agreements.
“JSS teachers reject the President’s remarks that the internship should run for two years, yet our letters clearly indicate 12 months. Besides, TSC has no authority to keep teachers on internship indefinitely,” Oronje said.
He argued that the internship framework is irregular, exploitative and contrary to labour and human rights standards. Oronje stressed that the interns are fully qualified teachers who must be absorbed into the system and given fair treatment like other public servants.
He cautioned that if the government fails to regularise their terms, the interns are prepared to launch demonstrations across the country. Oronje also clarified that during the teachers’ previous meeting at State House, no discussion or consensus on extending the internship was reached.
The union official raised concern over the emotional toll the current working conditions have had on the interns. He revealed that many teachers are overwhelmed, with some reportedly struggling with severe stress due to low pay and heavy workloads.
“I get numerous distress messages from teachers, sometimes in the middle of the night. Many say they have reached their limit,” he said.
Teacher Mangale Juma maintained that JSS interns will not step back into classrooms in January if their status is not upgraded to permanent and pensionable. He accused the government of using the internship arrangement as a convenient avenue for cheap labour, undermining teachers’ professional growth.
Another teacher, Maureen Njoki, said the Ksh17,000 monthly stipend is insufficient to cover basic expenses, especially amid tough economic times. She added that many interns serve in poorly equipped schools, making their daily work even more challenging.
James Mutembei said the financial struggles have pushed many interns into debt, eroding their dignity and weakening the respect they command from students.
“We are buried in debts. How do you expect students to see us as role models when we can barely stay afloat?” he asked.
