Kenya to Regularize 26,000 Intern Teachers in Next Financial YearMigori County Fishermen Face Hurdles in Accessing International Markets

Uasin Gishu, Kenya – The National Assembly Budget and Appropriation Committee has announced plans to convert 26,000 intern teachers to Permanent and Pensionable terms in the 2024/25 financial year.

According to Kenya News Agency, Ndindi Nyoro, this initiative is part of a broader government effort to address the teacher shortage in public schools across Kenya, in line with the 100 percent transition policy.

Nyoro disclosed that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is also set to recruit an additional 20,000 intern teachers during the next financial year, with a budget allocation of Sh26.3 billion earmarked for these purposes. The announcement came during a church fundraiser in Kesses Sub County, Uasin Gishu County, where Nyoro emphasized the Kenya Kwanza government’s commitment to enhancing the education sector.

“All current intern teachers will be confirmed on Permanent and Pensionable employment, fulfilling a promise made by President William Ruto, with an additional 20,000 interns to be recruited,” Nyoro stated, highlighting the government’s dedication to ensuring equal employment opportunities and development across all regions, irrespective of political affiliations.

The event saw the attendance of various leaders, including MPs Oscar Sudi, Johana Ngeno, Josses Lelmengit, Joseph Wainana, Peter Salasya, and David Kiplagat, alongside Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang, Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii, and Principal Secretary for Immigration Julius Bittock. Together, they refuted claims of internal divisions within the Kenya Kwanza party, particularly among leaders from the Mt. Kenya region, asserting unity under Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

This move to regularize intern teachers and the planned recruitment drive represents a significant step toward addressing the educational needs of the nation and ensuring that all children have access to quality teaching resources.

MIGORI, Kenya — Fishermen in Migori County are facing significant challenges that hinder their ability to access international markets, including inadequate storage facilities and outdated fishing techniques. Additional obstacles include a notable decline in fish stock within Lake Victoria, frequent arrests and harassment by authorities from Uganda and Tanzania over alleged trespassing offenses, and exploitation by middlemen.

According to Kenya News Agency, an official of the Beach Management Unit (BMU), stringent consumer requirements set by the European Union (EU) due to the lack of modern post-harvest fishing techniques have led to a marked reduction in fish production. “Requirements for high-quality fish at both local and international markets, coupled with the lack of access to storage facilities, are preventing many fishermen from engaging in large-scale fish business,” Mr. Okello stated during a phone interview from Muhuru Bay.

Fishermen from the Muhuru, Aneko, Sori, and Migingo beaches are calling on the national and Migori County governments to install high-technology cold rooms along the beaches. Such facilities would enable them to preserve their daily fish catches effectively. Furthermore, they are requesting cleaning facilities to improve sanitation on the beaches to meet the EU standards.

In recent years, the EU had imposed a ban on Kenyan fish from accessing its markets, citing substandard products. Despite the government’s efforts to elevate health standards to comply with EU regulations, fishermen assert that significant issues remain unaddressed. Mr. Andrew Seka, another BMU official from Migingo Island, highlighted ongoing problems such as irresponsible open defecation due to the absence of adequate toilets, leading to lake pollution.

Mr. Seka also pointed out the economic disadvantages local fishermen face due to middlemen, particularly those of Somali origin. “The middlemen usually wait until late in the afternoon when they purchase our fish at significantly low prices using their refrigerated trucks,” he explained. This situation results from the high perishability of their fish catch, forcing fishermen to sell at reduced rates to avoid total loss.

Fishermen emphasize that fishing is the economic cornerstone of the community and urge both levels of government to provide necessary support to overcome these challenges. Despite the hurdles, Migori County reported over one billion shillings worth of fish production last year, showcasing the sector’s potential if adequately supported.