JSS games teachers push for major reforms in KPJSA sports leadership structure

Junior Secondary School (JSS) games teachers have formally petitioned the Ministry of Education (MoE) seeking sweeping reforms in the leadership and financial management structure of the Kenya Primary and Junior School Sports Association (KPJSA).

In a letter addressed to the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Basic Education Prof. Julius Bitok, the teachers are requesting the issuance of a circular to effect changes aimed at strengthening accountability, professionalism and grassroots participation in school sports management.

The petition proposes a restructuring of KPJSA officials at the school level to clearly define roles and enhance efficiency.

Under the suggested framework, the Head of Institution (HoI) would serve strictly as Chairperson, providing oversight and policy direction. Operational roles, however, would be reserved for classroom teachers actively involved in sports.

The treasurer position would be held by a Junior Secondary classroom teacher, assisted by a Primary classroom teacher as Assistant Treasurer.

Secretary would be drawn from Junior Secondary, while Secretary II would come from the Primary section.

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According to the teachers, classroom educators have historically demonstrated commitment and effectiveness in managing day-to-day sports activities, including financial coordination and event organization.

They argue that while HoIs play a crucial supervisory role, many are not directly engaged in sports development, necessitating a clearer separation between oversight and operational responsibilities.

The petition further calls for financial autonomy at the zonal level.

Teachers want KPJSA to operate independent bank accounts to facilitate direct remittance of funds from government allocations and sponsors.

They contend that this move would minimise delays in disbursement and reduce friction between sport departments and school administrations over the management of games funds.

Under the proposed arrangement, the treasurer and the two secretaries would serve as account signatories, with the chairperson retaining the role of budget approval.

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In addition, the teachers are advocating for electoral reforms to democratise the association’s leadership.

They propose that KPJSA officials be elected through a secret ballot by all games teachers at the sub-county level, with elections supervised by the Ministry of Education officials. Sub-county officials would then elect county representatives, who would proceed to choose regional leaders, culminating in the election of national officials.

The teachers maintain that these reforms would promote transparency, prudent utilization of resources and stronger talent development structures in line with the Competency-Based Education framework, where sports is recognized as a vital pathway for nurturing learners’ abilities and career prospects.

Copies of the petition were forwarded to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and teachers’ unions, including the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT).

The Ministry of Education is yet to issue an official response to the proposals.

By  Our Reporter