The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has rolled out induction programme for 24,000 junior school intern teachers who were recently recruited.
This was revealed when primary school Headteachers who are also acting Principals of junior schools hosted in their schools held meetings with their sub county directors last week.
The Principals already submitted an online casualty (entry/exit report) for the teachers to unlock payment of their stipend by TSC.
An intern attached to junior school earns a monthly stipend of sh 20,000 but receive around sh 18,000 after SHIF, Housing levy and NSSF deductions.
The teachers who were posted to schools in late December started to report to schools last week and some this week to start their official assignment.
The programme which has started this week for some sub counties is aimed at acquainting the teachers on various TSC legal policies including the code of regulations and code of conduct for teachers.
After induction the STEM and Language teachers will then be retooled by CEMASTEA on the Competency Based Education (CBE).
The teachers were hired for a one year internship term running from 1st January to 31st December, 2026.
However recently President Ruto said all government including TSC interns shall be serving for at least two years before they are confirmed on permanent and pensionable terms.
This means the teachers are likely to be confirmed after completing their two year internship contract in December 2027.
Recently a total of 20,000 JSS interns employed in January 2025 had their contract which ended on 31st December extended for another one year.
President Ruto assured the teachers of confirmation after completing their two year contract.
CS Julius Ogamba said a total of 16,000 JSS intern teachers will be hired this year to support CBE.
The Commission has some benefits for intern teachers which include priotizing their employment when a replacement vacancies arise.
TSC awards 50 marks to intern teachers during replacement interviews giving them an upper hand during recruitment.
Also intern teachers attached to primary, junior and secondary schools are now entitled to a number of leaves that have officially been approved by TSC.
However unlike their colleagues who are employed on permanent and pensionable terms, teachers working on contract only enjoy a limited number of leaves.
TSC has a total number of nine leaves that a teacher employed on permanent terms is entitled to.
These leaves are applied and approved through an online platform except under special occasions.
1. Sick Leave
2. Annual Leave
3. Compassionate Leave
4. Paternity Leave
5. Maternity Leave
6. Study Leave
7. Special Leave
8. Adoption Leave
9. Spouse of Diplomat Leave
A TSC teacher on internship will now enjoy four leaves which shall only be granted after applying through writing.
1) Sick Leave
An intern teacher will be entitled to a sick leave of upto a maximum of 90 days including weekends and holidays.
The intern teacher shall apply for the sick leave. A head of institution shall forward a teacher’s application for sick leave with the relevant medical documents to the sub county director.
Where the teacher is unable to apply for sick leave in person due to the nature or extent of sickness, the head of institution shall inform the sub county director in writing within fourteen days from the date of receiving information of the sickness.
The Commission shall, grant sick leave-
(a) for a maximum period of one month with full pay;
(b) on half pay for a further one month when the sickness extends beyond the first month; and
(c) without pay where the sickness extends beyond two months until the teacher resumes duty.
2) Maternity Leave
Female teachers on permanent and pensionable terms are entitled to a maximum of 120 days maternity leave with full pay.
Female intern teachers are entitled to a maximum of 90 days maternity leave with full pay which include weekends and holidays.
The intern teacher shall apply for the maternity leave. A head of institution shall forward a teacher’s application for maternity leave with the relevant medical documents to the sub county director.
A female teacher shall give the head of institution at least three months written notification of the intention to proceed on maternity leave which shall be accompanied by a letter from a registered medical practitioner indicating the expected date of delivery.
3) Paternity Leave
Male teachers are entitled to a maximum of 21 days paternity leave with full pay which is taken only once a year.
Male intern teachers are entitled to a maximum of 14 days paternity leave with full pay which include weekends and holidays.
The intern teacher shall apply for the paternity leave. A head of institution shall forward a teacher’s application for paternity leave with the relevant medical documents (evidence e.g copy of birth notification) to the sub county director.
4) Compassionate Leave
Compassionate leave is taken when one is faced with difficult or distressing situations. Such as a serious illness or injury of a loved one, burial of a family member, land dispute or if there is a flood or fire at their home.
An intern teachers is entitled to a maximum of 14 days compassionate leave with full pay which include weekends and holidays.
The teacher shall proceed for the leave after applying for the leave to the sub-county director through the headteacher.
