If there is a crop of people at cross roads right now, it's individuals known as JSS interns. The difficult decision they have to make concerning their fate is weighing heavy on them. To renew or not? Well.. It's a few-lettered question but the ramifications that come of either of the two choices remain mystery. And that is what makes it even harder to pick either of the two choices.
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Earlier this month, TSC directed interns in both primary and JSS to renew contracts which are expiring in ten days. Some adhered, some are yet. The immediate consequence of not heeding to the directive cannot be determined as at now because the existing contract is legally binding, at least for the next few days. The TSC directive was bound to crop up two factions:, the obeying ones and the defiant ones. Both sides have reasons for the reaction. The consequence of both actions are hypothetical at this point. Let's have a look at them.
Those renewing may not doing it jovially but they are going by the adage better a half a loaf than none. Indeed, the stipend is not enough in today's economic upheavals but the grass may not be greener elsewhere. The BOM option which is the alternative for most may not be viable considering most high schools are facing serious cash crunch. Cases non-paid months have been rampant and it's expected to be worse next year. As little as it is, the stipend is assured. Additionally the prospects of being employed in future by the commission may be bleak (in case one refuses to renew) as you may be deemed as previously employed and as such be greatly disadvantaged during interviews. The promise of absorption at the end of two years is also a factor this faction is premising their decision to renew. Both the TSC and the President expressly 'promised' confirmation after the end of the second phase. It's understandable that they are bidding their time, crossing their fingers and hoping that the government will stick to their word.
The other group who have opted not to renew still stand their ground. They claim there's everything wrong about the whole renewal call. According to them, the contract was clearly stated as non-renewable and as such renewing will be tantamount to boxing oneself in a corner. The commission also 'promised' to confirm them at the end of the contract having locked them out of replacements in senior schools. They want the Nancy Macharia-led commission to honor their word.
The faction holds that the the promise of confirmation of a whooping 46k interns in the same year sounds too good to be true. The reason for renewal as per TSC was lack of funds hence confirming two cohorts in the seems a pipe dream. They read mischief as the government may again force them to renew for a record third time especially in this economic climate where the country is always 'broke'. So the promise of absorption is just a bait. This group believes that if every intern decides to object to the renewal, the government will be forced to confirm them but again that can't happen since a good number have already contracted their services for another one year.
Both camps have logical reasons for their decisions but at the moment one can't tell which is one is better. Only time can settle this debate.
The socioeconomic dynamics of the individual interns are very different. To renew or not may work for or against the fortunes of the individual intern hence a thorough thought must be employed before arriving at a conclusive decision. The teachers should should not be swayed by the euphoria surrounding the renewal process.
Being the bearer of the consequences, the back stops with the teachers when it comes to chatting their way forward.
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