The Ministry of Education has unveiled the eagerly anticipated calendar for the start of the 2024 school term, and it’s sparking quite the buzz!

Set against the backdrop of the festive season, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu’s announcement carries a mix of excitement and concern as he announced the new school opening dates.

Picture this: pre-primary, primary, and secondary school new opening dates are on January 8, 2024, marking the beginning of an educational journey.

However, for the incoming Form 1 students, their grand entrance is slated for January 15, creating a ripple of anticipation among these fresh faces.

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But here’s the twist: amidst the flurry of preparations, there’s a hitch in the plan. Over 20,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers are gearing up for a standoff with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

Their demand for permanent roles instead of the current intern status has created a storm, threatening to cast a shadow over the term’s start.

Education authorities are rallying support, urging field officers to assist parents in gearing up for the academic year ahead.

They’re sounding the alarm, cautioning against distractions that could lead young learners astray during the festive season.

Chief among these concerns is the rise in drug and substance abuse, a pressing issue that demands attention and vigilance from parents and guardians.

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As tensions simmer, the fate of these intern teachers hangs in the balance.

The Teachers Service Commission is playing hardball, issuing warnings of potential dismissals if the strike proceeds.

However, a glimmer of hope shines through a Nairobi Court ruling, temporarily safeguarding these intern teachers’ positions until a pivotal court hearing decides their fate.

In this educational saga, the excitement of a new term collides with the uncertainties and challenges faced by both students and educators.

It’s a narrative of anticipation, advocacy, and a quest for stability in the realm of education.