Kitui Town was brought to a standstill on Monday, April 27, 2026, as Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers staged protests demanding improved working conditions and job security.
The teachers, backed by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers, marched through the town calling on the government to convert over 44,000 intern teachers into permanent and pensionable terms. They also pushed for enhanced medical cover and greater administrative autonomy within the education sector.
Speaking exclusively with Hopkin Digital, several of the protesting teachers expressed frustration over what they described as prolonged uncertainty and neglect despite their critical role in implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
“We have served diligently under very difficult conditions. It is only fair that the government recognizes our efforts by confirming us into permanent positions,” said one of the demonstrators.
KUPPET officials who joined the protest accused the government of delaying reforms that would stabilize the teaching workforce, warning that continued inaction could disrupt learning in junior secondary schools across the country.
The teachers further decried inadequate medical insurance, noting that the current cover does not sufficiently address their healthcare needs. They also raised concerns about lack of clear administrative structures, arguing that JSS teachers remain caught between primary and secondary school systems.
At the same time, KUPPET issued a stern warning over delays in the payment of national examination personnel, cautioning that continued inaction by the Kenya National Examinations Council could disrupt the reopening of schools. The union warned that failure to promptly compensate examiners risks demoralizing teachers and interfering with the smooth administration of national examinations.
Ends///
