John S. Khabamba

In politics, there exists a thin line between facts and fiction, truth and lies, real and artificial, right and wrong . Infact the definitions of the aforementioned terms are extremely relative. It depends who is asking who. Politicians have mastered the art of verbal charm in wooing the electorate. In the run-up to any political duel, aspirants chiefly employ verbal tact. Indeed they say successful seduction depends on the effectiveness of the verbal allure.  For the Kenyan electorate, politicians always have a field day during the campaign trails. They freely stretch the truth-which of course erode their validity - and add more questionable statements in form of promises which the citizenry sieze as the gospel truth. Apart from the intentional image obliteration of the opponents, the promise card is always at the center of political show downs. It's no coincidence that most successful politicians also happen to be excellent orators - a case in point is the current president. Ke...

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. Image:LinkedIn 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...

President Ruto has affirmed that JSS interns must serve for two years before being eligible for permanent employment. Speaking during a round table live interview to a host of journalists from mainstream media houses, the Head of State said it was now  a government policy for state employees to undergo two year internshp before consideration for permanent terms. President William Ruto addressing journalists during a roundtable interview at State House, Nairobi, December 17th, 2023.  Image: PCS "JSS teachers will report to work in January because we rolled out a policy that requires a two-year internshp before being employed permanently," the President said. The President revealed that the policy  is currently being implemented in other government sectors, not that just TSC. " We are not doing internships  with teachers only, we are doing internships with many other sectors. In  fact, we have gotten a cohort of interns at Public Service Commission (PSC) because i...

Despite staging demos for weeks  demanding for confirmation to Permanent and Pensionable terms, JSS interns have been seen in masses rushing for contract renewals. Moments after TSC ordered the tutors to visit the Subcounty offices for contract renewal, huge numbers were seen in banks across the country acquiring the Personal Accident Cover (PAC) which is necessary for contract renewal. Photo credit :123RF The 26k interns have been for agitating for confirmation from their employer after the  contract expiry but TSC revealed that the contracts will renewed. This rubbed the interns the wrong way. They  took to social media and demonstrations to deliver their disappointment. Counties have witnessed demos mostly led by KUPPET members . The issue  has  also dominated newsrooms  conversations with plight of the jss teachers being highlighted in major news rooms. The interns have being thinking their efforts will sway the TSC but they were wrong at least going by...

Teacher Service Commission (TSC) has  now ordered Primary and JSS interns to  renew their contracts. Through the county directors, the commission has began to renew the contracts which are due to expire at the end of this month. The disgruntled interns have been directed to visit their Subcounty offices with new Personal Accident Cover to facilitate the renewal process.,  "...advice your INTERN teachers both JSS and primary whose contract was ending 31/12/2023 to go for PERSONAL INSURANCE Cover for renewal of their contract. The should be for one year. Let them bring to the Subcounty office TSC  by midday on 13/12/2023. Kindly please." read part of the the message  sent to the interns in one of the counties.  Photo:TSC CEO Dr Nancy Macharia at a past event.  Photo credit: Courtesy .  The directive now leaves the interns at cross roads as they may potentially face joblessness if they defy the order or sign the renewal and bury their hopes of ...

The Teacher Service Commission (TSC) continues to remain mum even as the  jss interns demonstrations intensify. The tutors who are running down their contracts have demanded their employer to confirm them to Permanent and Pensionable terms but the TSC wants them to renew for another one year. Photo credit : The Star: Kwale JSS intern teachers hold protests on   December 5, 2023. Earlier this year, the TSC CEO Dr Nancy Macharia told Parliament Education Committee that the jss interns  will be confirmed in 2025 subject to availability of funds.  This sparked an outrage amongst the contract teachers who were hoping for confirmation at the end of their contract in 2023.  The rage simmered down with time as they banked on a change of mind come December. As we approach the end of the contract, it has become clearer that the TSC isn't going to change their mind, at least going by the silent approach to the demos. Appearing before the Education committee last month...

  For time immemorial, generations in, generations out, Raila Odinga has enjoyed fanatical following from Kenyans of all walks of life. His supporters have religiously stood with him regardless of the circumstances. Let's just they are naturally wired to read from the same script as he does. Photo Credit: Courtesy : Azimio Leader Raila Odinga at an event.  The history of this nation cannot be written to conclusion without the comprehensive inclusion of the long-term time opposition leader. He has had a political career which has outrightly outspanned  and dwarfed the political journeys of other players combined. For some reasons, 'Baba', as he is popularly known by his supporters and rivals alike, has been able to maneuver the tumultuous Kenyan political scene. He always find a way to re-invent, rejuvenate when he's least expected. Show me any other politician who can match his shrewdness. Am waiting... For a person who enjoys massive support - half of the country's...