Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers and KUPPET officials in Bomet County have joined their colleagues nationwide in demanding autonomy, citing mounting frustrations over overlapping administrative duties, unequal resource allocation, and limited opportunities for professional growth.
The teachers and union leaders argue that the current system, which places JSS under primary school administration, has weakened teacher morale and hindered the delivery of consistent, high-quality instruction.
They want JSS treated as a distinct level of education, with its own administration, clear policies, and separate budgets.
Leading the push, Bomet KUPPET Vice Chairman Peter Kipkirui Bett said autonomy would allow for fair promotions and career progression for JSS teachers, acknowledging their expertise and contributions.
“The autonomy will enable JSS to allocate resources effectively, addressing the unique needs of its students and teachers,” Mr Bett said during a press conference at Bomet Green Stadium on Saturday.
He emphasised the importance of separating junior secondary from primary administration to ensure responsiveness.
“We require a separate administration that understands our unique needs and challenges,” he added.
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Bett added: “Autonomy will lead to improved education quality, as JSS will be able to respond quickly to the needs of its students.”
He also emphasised that JSS should have the freedom to make decisions that directly benefit learners without interference.
Geoffrey Kirui, a JSS teacher in Bomet, echoed these sentiments, noting that having one administrator oversee both primary and junior secondary limits resources and slows decision-making.
“Autonomy will give room for more opportunities and motivate JSS teachers, reducing frustration caused by amalgamation with primary schools,” he said.
Kirui added that many Boards of Management (BOMs) are reluctant to take proposals from JSS staff, leaving teachers feeling sidelined.
Another teacher, Aron Rono, raised welfare concerns about the transition from Minet to the Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance scheme, urging the government to ensure complete medical cover for all teachers.
“We expect our welfare issues to be addressed comprehensively, not piecemeal,” he stated.
The call for autonomy mirrors growing national debate over how to anchor JSS within the education system without undermining quality or teacher morale.
The teachers’ demands come as the sector continues to adjust to the transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which has placed JSS within primary schools.
The education stakeholders say this has created confusion in management, resource allocation, and oversight, leaving JSS teachers without a clear voice in policy-making.
By our reporter
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