JSS teachers protest over slashing of capitation, failure to upgrade interns

Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers in Murang’a County have staged a protest demanding reversal of a recent government decision to slash capitation grants and an overdue absorption of intern teachers into permanent status. The teachers, gathered at a meeting in Maragua, expressed concern that the reduction from KSh 22,244 to KSh 15,042 per student will seriously compromise teaching and learning standards in their schools.
In their plea to Julius Ogamba, the Education Cabinet Secretary, the teachers insisted the capitation cut was unacceptable, particularly at a time when schools grappled with limited resources for science practicals and class materials. They also spotlighted the plight of about 20,000 intern teachers nationwide who were promised permanent, pensionable employment after six months of service—an assurance still unfulfilled.
Additionally, they raised objections to the planned transfer of their medical insurance scheme to the new State Health Agency (SHA) model without prior public consultation, arguing that years of service and contributions warrant meaningful stakeholder engagement.
The protest signals deeper frustrations within the education workforce, with implications for staff morale and student outcomes. Teachers warned that cash-starved schools risk cutting corners in labs and libraries, potentially reversing gains made under the new JSS system. Their demand for a return to the original capitation figure and immediate absorption of intern teachers has drawn attention from education advocates who argue that delays undermine Kenya’s broader reforms. Looking ahead, the teachers’ union may escalate action if the government fails to respond, raising the prospect of industrial unrest that could disrupt the transition of learners into senior secondary levels in 2026.