The ongoing debate over the future structure and administration of Junior Secondary School (JSS) education has taken a new twist after the JSS fraternity accused the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) of watering down their petition on the push for autonomy, shifting its position.
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, the Interim National Chairperson of the Kenya Junior Secondary Teachers Association (KEJUSTA), Okil Okil, expressed disappointment over what he termed as KUPPET’s “misleading actions and abrupt change of stance” on a matter that directly affects thousands of JSS teachers across the country.
According to Okil, JSS teachers initially approached KUPPET seeking support to fund a legal challenge at the High Court aimed at securing professional and administrative independence for the JSS sector.
He said the teachers expected solidarity from the union and a commitment to champion the cause of a fully autonomous JSS structure.
However, Okil noted that instead of offering substantial support, KUPPET responded with what he described as an “unrepresentative and misleading petition” that failed to capture the real issues at the heart of the JSS autonomy debate.
He further revealed that when KEJUSTA submitted a comprehensive petition intended for the National Assembly, KUPPET declined to forward it, citing the need for further consultations with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
ALSO READ:
Bomet JSS teachers announce Monday demonstration to demand confirmation of interns
“We waited patiently for feedback, hoping for constructive engagement,” Okil stated.
He added:“But it has now become clear that KUPPET has changed its position and is no longer supporting JSS autonomy.”
According to the statement, KUPPET is now advocating for the domiciling of Junior Secondary Schools within high schools—a move that KEJUSTA argues contradicts the expectations of JSS teachers and undermines ongoing efforts to strengthen the sector.
“This sudden shift neither reflects the wishes of JSS teachers nor addresses the structural challenges facing the sector,” Okil emphasized, raising concerns about the union’s commitment to its mandate of representing teachers’ interests.
KEJUSTA reaffirmed that the fight for JSS autonomy is far from over and called on policymakers, teacher unions, and education stakeholders to remain objective and committed to genuine, lasting solutions for the benefit of both teachers and learners.
The dispute adds a new layer to the already heated national conversation surrounding the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and the institutional placement of Junior Secondary Schools, as teachers continue to push for recognition, clarity, and fair administrative structures.
By Philip Koech
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
