TSC Signals Possible Termination of 44,000 Intern Teachers Amid Budget Uncertainty

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has said that the future of 44,000 intern teachers is now uncertain after a major court ruling declared the internship programme illegal.

The Court of Appeal decided on February 27, 2026. The court agreed with an earlier ruling by the Employment and Labour Relations Court, which found the programme to be unconstitutional and unfair.

Because of this ruling, TSC told the National Assembly Education Committee that it now has only two options. The Commission can either offer the intern teachers permanent, pensionable jobs or end their contracts entirely.

This information was shared by TSC Legal Director Cavin Anyuor while appearing before Members of Parliament.

Why the Programme Was Introduced

The internship programme started in 2019 to help solve the shortage of teachers in schools. Most of the intern teachers are currently teaching in junior secondary schools, especially in Grades 7, 8, and 9 under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.

Many of the affected teachers recently had their contracts renewed for one year, running from January 2026 to December 2026.

Budget Concerns Raise Uncertainty

TSC explained that the final decision will depend on funding from the National Treasury. If the government does not provide enough money, the Commission may be forced to terminate the internship programme.

At the same time, TSC has gone back to court to request more time. The Commission says it needs a grace period to plan properly, organise resources, and set a clear way forward.

Government Response and Parliamentary Concerns

The matter was also discussed during budget planning for the 2025/2026 financial year.

Education Committee Chairperson Julius Melly advised TSC to seek additional funding and warned against ending the programme, saying it could affect jobs and the economy.

On the government side, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that the government will respect the court’s decision. He said both TSC and the Ministry of Education are reviewing the ruling to decide the next steps.

The government is also assessing the financial and legal implications of permanently employing the intern teachers.

Lawmakers and Union Reactions

During Senate discussions, Enoch Wambua asked how the teachers would be absorbed into permanent jobs. Samson Cherargei raised concerns about the lack of clear budget details.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has also spoken out. Secretary-General Akelo Misori said continuing to employ trained teachers as interns is unfair and violates their rights.

The union warned that it may take legal action if the teachers are not confirmed into permanent positions.

Latest Recruitment and Way Forward

In January 2026, TSC recruited 24,000 intern teachers, exceeding the planned 20,000. Most of these teachers were placed in science and technical subjects to address shortages in junior secondary schools.

TSC has confirmed that it is still consulting with various government agencies to determine the best solution that complies with the court ruling.