Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers from Siaya have firmly advised parents to keep their children at home, as they assert that learning is at a standstill due to their ongoing strike.

Led by their Chairman, Simon Otieno, the teachers marched through the streets of Siaya, chanting slogans against the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

“We have three simple demands from the TSC. Firstly, they must comply with the court ruling that instructed them to confirm JSS teachers as permanent and pensionable employees. Secondly, we seek compensation for the period we worked as interns. And finally, if they cannot meet these demands, they should dismiss all of us,” Mr. Otieno stated.

The dispute between the JSS teachers, who were initially employed as interns, and the commission traces back to March when an industrial court declared their employment terms illegal.

Since the commencement of the second term on May 13, JSS teachers have refrained from reporting to school, opting instead to stage protests every Thursday, condemning the TSC.

Kendo Emanuel, a teacher employed as an intern, further criticized school head teachers who are threatening striking JSS teachers by demanding show-cause letters, asserting they won’t return to work until the TSC respects the court ruling.

“There are certain school heads attempting to intimidate JSS teachers who have ceased work. We will not be intimidated. It must be made clear that we will only respond to the TSC,” he emphasized.

This marks the third week since JSS teachers initiated the strike, advocating for better remuneration.