Why Intern Teachers’ Salary Is Paid After Three Months in Kenya

Many intern teachers in Kenya often ask the same question: Why is our salary paid after three months instead of monthly like permanent teachers?

Understanding how the internship program works helps explain the delay.

1. Processing and Verification Period

When intern teachers are deployed, their details must go through verification and approval processes. This includes:

1. Document verification
2. Posting confirmation
3. Payroll registration
4. Bank account validation

Before payments begin, all records must be captured correctly in the payroll system managed by the Teachers Service Commission.

This administrative process can take several weeks.

2. Government Budget Disbursement Cycles

Intern teachers are paid through government budget allocations. Funds are released based on financial disbursement schedules.

Sometimes, delays occur due to:

• Treasury release timelines
• Budget approvals
• Financial year transitions

Once funds are released, payments are processed in bulk.

3. Internship Contract Structure

Internship programs are structured differently from permanent employment. Unlike teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, interns are under a contract-based arrangement.

This means:

• They receive a fixed stipend
• Payment may be consolidated
• Initial months may be paid together once payroll is activated

4. Payroll Activation Takes Time

When new interns are recruited, they are not automatically in the system. Payroll activation includes:

• Assigning employee numbers
• Generating payment codes
• Capturing statutory deductions (NSSF, NHIF, PAYE where applicable)

Until this process is completed, payment cannot be processed.

5. Why Payment Comes in Three Months at Once

In most cases, the first salary is delayed but paid in arrears. This means:

• Intern teachers receive three months’ salary combined
• Future payments usually normalize to monthly cycles

The delay is administrative rather than intentional withholding.

6. What Intern Teachers Should Do

If salary delays exceed three months, teachers should:

• Confirm reporting status with their principal
• Ensure personal details are correctly submitted
• Contact the Sub-County office
• Follow up officially through the Teachers Service Commission channels

Final Thoughts

While waiting three months for salary can be financially stressful, the delay is usually due to payroll setup and government disbursement procedures.

Once the first payment is made, subsequent payments are often regular.

Understanding the process helps reduce anxiety and misinformation among intern teachers.