The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has sounded the alarm over a worsening crisis in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS), warning that mounting tensions among intern teachers could disrupt learning across the country if urgent action is not taken.
In a letter dated April 22, 2026, addressed to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, the union called for an immediate meeting to address growing unrest among JSS intern teachers, many of whom are agitating for permanent and pensionable employment.
KUPPET secretary general Akello Misori cautioned that the situation is rapidly deteriorating, with teachers already mobilizing for nationwide protests scheduled for April 27.
The demonstrations are expected to pile pressure on the government to absorb more than 44,000 intern teachers into permanent positions, a move the union says is critical to stabilizing the sector.
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The union argues that the challenges facing JSS go beyond employment terms, pointing to structural concerns within the relatively new system under the Competency-Based Education.
KUPPET is pushing for greater autonomy for junior secondary institutions and clearer policy direction to ensure smooth implementation and long-term sustainability.
In its communication, the union warned that anxiety levels among teachers are already high, raising fears of possible disruption to learning if the impasse is not resolved.
It urged the Ministry of Education to convene a meeting within seven days to forestall further escalation.
The letter was also copied to the Teachers Service Commission, underlining the gravity of the situation and the need for a coordinated response from key education stakeholders.
The unfolding standoff places renewed scrutiny on the government’s handling of the transition to junior secondary under the CBE framework, with education actors warning that failure to address staffing gaps and institutional challenges could undermine gains made in the reform process.
By Our reporter
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