Nairobi, June 15, 2024 - The Teacher Service Commission (TSC) has terminated the services of 742 junior secondary school (JSS) teachers across Kenya, causing significant distress among affected educators. These teachers, considered pioneers in their roles, have been replaced by new hires as directed by the TSC, following allegations of their involvement in demonstrations that disrupted learning in various schools.

In Kisii, several JSS teachers have been instructed by their head teachers, following directives from subcounty education directors, not to report back to their schools. Citizen TV's Christino Nnoo visited some of the affected teachers, revealing the dire situations they now face amid harsh economic conditions.

It's been two weeks since JSS teachers had agreed to return to classes, awaiting confirmation from the TSC. However, the sudden termination of their contracts has left many grappling with an uncertain future. In Bogetenga and South Mugirango, teachers are experiencing severe emotional and financial distress. 

One such teacher, a 33-year-old woman who is currently battling depression after being told not to return to her school. As one of the pioneer JSS teachers in her locality, the unexpected directive has compounded her problems. During a visit, it was evident that she has been confined indoors for three days, struggling with life's challenges. The leftover food in her single-room home and reliance on sugarcane for sustenance highlight the severity of her predicament.

Kerubo, one of the affected teachers, has called on the government to address their plight and that of her colleagues, many of whom are the primary breadwinners for their families. The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and other education stakeholders in Kisii have expressed their dissatisfaction with the TSC's decision, threatening industrial action. 

"We are going to call upon all the teachers to go on industrial action, both in senior schools and junior schools, to paralyze the education system across the country until the cry of these teachers is heard," stated a KUPPET representative.

The termination of these contracts and the ensuing unrest highlight the broader challenges facing Kenya's education sector, particularly as the country grapples with economic hardships. The situation underscores the need for dialogue and support for educators who play a crucial role in shaping the nation's future.