Kuppet rejects proposal to retain JSS in primary schools

Education CS Julius Ogamba. [File, Standard]

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has rejected the proposed amendments that would integrate Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) within the primary school framework as ‘comprehensive schools.’

Speaking at the Kuppet Kericho Branch Annual General Meeting, Kuppet Assistant Treasurer Ronald Tonui stated that JSS should remain at a distinct educational level.

He said it should remain separate from primary schools to safeguard teacher mobility and ensure a conducive learning environment tailored to the developmental needs of junior secondary students.

Tonui emphasised that the constitutionally mandated distinction between primary and secondary education structures should be respected. “According to Schedule 4 of the Constitution, there should be a clear distinction between them. This structure will not only preserve teacher mobility, but also ensure quality learning environments suited to the unique developmental needs of junior secondary students,” he said.

Tonui also highlighted that under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), certain schools would be specialised as science-only, arts-focused, or talent schools, which will necessitate teacher mobility.

“Secondary teachers will need to be able to move to schools where their specialised subjects are being taught. That is why we must have teacher mobility,” he added.

Tonui, further criticised the government’s approach in amending the Teachers Service Commission Act and the Basic Education Act, based on the recommendations from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms.

The Kuppet Assistant Treasurer contended that the proposed reclassification of JSS under primary schools as “comprehensive schools” would be unconstitutional.

Tonui also objected to the government’s intention to rename Junior Secondary School as “Junior School” and secondary school as “Senior School,” calling it an unconstitutional attempt to erase the term “secondary school,” which is constitutionally protected.

In addition, Tonui raised concerns over the Teachers Service Commission’s (TSC) implementation of the Teacher Professional Development (TPD) framework, intended to continuously enhance teachers’ skills and competencies for improved learning outcomes.

“To be told that teachers need to be retrained on how to teach after gaining hands-on experience doesn’t make sense,” he said.

Kericho Kuppet Branch Executive Mary Rotich, while recognising the government’s confirmation of the 46,000 JSS teachers and the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), emphasised that Kuppet seeks the promotion of all qualified teachers this year.

 She also called for the provision of acting allowances for teachers serving as acting principals, deputy principals, and heads of departments, as outlined in the Return-to-Work Formula. Rotich expressed disappointment with the Kuppet National Office for its handling of the teachers’ strike in September, which was called off after a meeting with the TSC.

 “While teachers have benefitted from the Return to Work Formula, services under the Minet Teachers Medical Scheme, for example, remain unstreamlined,” she said.