Govt to Absorb Intern Teachers Gradually After Court Ruling
The Kenyan government has confirmed plans to absorb thousands of intern teachers into permanent and pensionable employment, following a landmark court ruling that declared their internship terms unconstitutional and discriminatory. The move is expected to reshape the country’s education sector while addressing long-standing concerns over teacher welfare and staffing shortages.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba revealed that the government has already secured Sh6 billion to kickstart the process, with an additional Sh23 billion required to fully implement the transition.
Speaking in Kisii County ahead of President William Ruto’s development tour of the Gusii region, Ogamba emphasized that the absorption of intern teachers is no longer optional, but a legal and moral obligation.
“We have no choice but to have them. The issue now is resources and how we stagger the process,” Ogamba stated.
Court Ruling Forces Policy Shift
The government’s decision follows a ruling by the Employment and Labour Relations Court on March 14, 2026, which declared the Teachers Service Commission’s (TSC) internship programme illegal.
The court found that employing over 44,000 trained teachers under internship terms was discriminatory and violated their rights. It directed the government to transition these teachers into permanent and pensionable positions.
This ruling has significantly increased pressure on the Teachers Service Commission to comply, effectively ending the internship model as a long-term employment strategy.
Ogamba confirmed that discussions between the TSC and the National Treasury are at an advanced stage to determine how quickly the transition can be completed.
Funding Constraints Slow Down Process
Despite the urgency, funding remains the biggest hurdle. Out of the required Sh29 billion, only Sh6 billion is currently available, leaving a funding gap of over Sh23 billion.
The government plans to implement the absorption in phases, depending on available resources. According to Ogamba, approximately 20,000 intern teachers are set to be confirmed under the current plan.
“We are looking at a structured approach. It cannot happen overnight, but it must happen,” he explained.
This phased approach may delay full implementation, but officials insist it is the only viable path given current budget constraints.
New Teacher Recruitment Plan
In addition to confirming intern teachers, the government is also planning to recruit 16,000 new teachers to address critical shortages in junior and senior secondary schools.
This recruitment drive is part of a broader strategy to support the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, which has increased demand for specialized teaching skills and smaller class sizes.
The move is expected to significantly improve teacher distribution across the country, particularly in underserved areas.
Addressing Teacher Shortages
Kenya has long struggled with a shortage of teachers, a problem that has been worsened by the rollout of the CBE curriculum.
Currently, the teacher-to-student ratio stands at approximately 1:29, down from 1:45 in previous years. While this marks a significant improvement, it still falls short of the globally recommended ratio of 1:25.
Ogamba noted that absorbing intern teachers and hiring new ones will help bridge this gap.
“The internship programme helped reduce the ratio, but now we must formalize employment to meet global standards,” he said.
Aligning Teachers With CBE Needs
Beyond recruitment, the government is also focusing on retooling teachers to align with the demands of the CBE curriculum.
So far, over 220,000 teachers have undergone training to equip them with the skills needed to handle competency-based learning, particularly in technical and practical subjects such as metalwork.
This shift is critical as the first cohort of CBE students transitions to senior school and eventually to university.
Student Pathways Reveal New Trends
The placement of learners under the CBE system is already providing valuable insights into future workforce needs.
According to Ogamba:
- About 60% of students have chosen STEM pathways
- Around 38–39% are pursuing social sciences
- Approximately 10% have opted for sports science
These trends are guiding government decisions on teacher training and recruitment, ensuring that supply matches demand.
“We are using this data to avoid training teachers in areas with low demand,” Ogamba explained.
Universities Preparing for 2029 Cohort
The impact of CBE is also being felt in higher education. Universities have already begun retooling lecturers in preparation for the first cohort of CBE students expected to join in 2029.
This transition marks a significant shift in Kenya’s education system, requiring coordinated efforts across all levels—from primary schools to universities.
Ogamba described the current phase as a “pilot,” allowing the Ministry of Education to identify gaps and make necessary adjustments before the full rollout.
A Turning Point for Teachers
The absorption of intern teachers represents a major victory for educators who have long protested against poor pay and job insecurity under the internship programme.
For many, the move signals a new era of stability, improved working conditions, and recognition of their professional qualifications.
However, challenges remain—particularly in securing the necessary funding and ensuring timely implementation.
Conclusion
The Kenyan government’s plan to absorb intern teachers into permanent and pensionable terms marks a critical step in reforming the education sector. While financial constraints may slow the process, the commitment to comply with the court ruling and improve teacher welfare is clear.
As Kenya continues to implement the CBE curriculum, the success of these reforms will depend on sustained investment, strategic planning, and effective collaboration between key institutions.
The coming months will be crucial in determining how quickly the government can deliver on its promise—and whether it can finally resolve the long-standing challenges facing the teaching profession.