746 JSS teachers fired in June reinstated
At least 746 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers who were dismissed in June by Teachers Service Commission (TSC) have been reinstated onto the payroll, with their dismissal letters officially canceled.
This decision follows a thorough review by the Ministry of Education, which determined that the dismissals were conducted without adhering to due process.
Akelo Misori, the Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), expressed satisfaction with the resolution.
He emphasized that none of the affected teachers had been given the opportunity to present their defense during a disciplinary hearing.
“We are pleased to report to our members and the general public that all teachers from Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) who were dismissed from service in June 2024 have won back their jobs. All the affected teachers have been reinstated onto the payroll, and their dismissal letters have been canceled,”Misori stated.
Misori criticised the initial dismissals, arguing that they violated the principles of natural justice, which require that individuals be heard before any punitive action is taken.
“KUPPET took great exception to the dismissals, which went contrary to the rules of natural justice demanding that no one should be condemned unheard. None of the affected teachers had been accorded an opportunity to defend themselves at a disciplinary hearing,” he added.
The controversy began in June when the TSC announced the termination of 742 JSS teachers.
This action was part of a broader response to mass protests led by intern teachers, who had taken to the streets starting on May 13, demanding permanent employment and better working conditions.
The protests, which occurred nationwide, were fueled by frustrations over temporary contracts and inadequate support.
According to TSC, the dismissals were due to a number of teachers not reporting back for duty, with their whereabouts being unknown, leading to the termination and replacement of their contracts.
“The number of teachers who did not report back, whose whereabouts are not known, and whose contracts were terminated and replaced are 742,” TSC stated.
In response to the upheaval, TSC replaced the terminated teachers with new recruits across the country.
On May 22, the commission issued show-cause letters to those who had absconded from their duties, seeking explanations for their absence.
Despite the reinstatement, KUPPET and the affected teachers are still grappling with unresolved issues, particularly the conversion of their contracts to permanent and pensionable positions.
The union has expressed deep concern over the government’s inconsistent commitment to these employment terms.
The ongoing deficit in JSS teaching positions, estimated to be around 20,000, adds to the urgency of addressing these concerns.
“Regrettably, the reinstatement of the teachers still leaves unresolved the major issue of their conversion into permanent and pensionable employment. KUPPET is gravely concerned by the government’s wavering commitment to the teachers’ permanent terms and employment of 20,000 new teachers to plug the huge deficit in JSS,” he said.
Misori indicated that the union’s National Governing Council plans to convene soon to consider potential industrial action if the issues remain unresolved. The proposed action aims to secure the teachers’ employment rights and uphold the benefits for KUPPET members under the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Addendum, which includes salary increments and other employment benefits.
“The union’s National Governing Council will meet in due course to greenlight industrial action to demand the teachers’ employment rights and safeguard the benefits of current KUPPET members under the 2021-2025 CBA Addendum, among them salary increments and effective,” he said.
This development highlights ongoing tensions between education stakeholders and government agencies, underscoring the need for clear and fair processes in handling employment disputes and ensuring that educators’ rights are adequately protected.
The resolution of this issue is likely to influence future negotiations and policies related to teacher employment and management in Kenya.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.