The Garissa County Kenya National Union of Teachers, KNUT Executive Secretary Abdirizak Hussein has urged Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers to drop calls for administrative independence, and embrace their current placement within primary schools.
Speaking during a press briefing in Garissa, Hussein cautioned young JSS educators against being “misled” by rival union voices, particularly the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), which has been vocal in supporting autonomy demands.
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“Let these young teachers not be misled,” Hussein said. “Even in universities, associate professors and lecturers teach degree, PhD, diploma, and certificate courses under one institution without disruptions.”
He drew parallels to Kenya’s past education system, referencing the 1980s when O Level and A Level teachers operated within the same high schools. Hussein argued that the current arrangement is neither unprecedented nor problematic.
“It’s not a big deal for them to be in primary schools,” he added. “Most of our primary heads are graduates, and some even hold PhDs.”
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Abdirizak emphasized that the decision to domicile JSS within primary institutions was not arbitrary, but rather a recommendation from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms. He urged teachers to focus on their duties instead of engaging in what he termed “battles they are bound to lose.”
“We will accommodate them and give them ample time in their undertakings,” Hussein assured. “If they want union structures, we’ll fulfill their requests. Just like in sports, where primary and junior secondary schools have separate competitions, we’ll give them space.”
He added that Garissa County currently hosts 123 junior schools, all headed by graduate teachers, with some holding masters and doctoral degrees. Hussein encouraged JSS teachers to feel “at home” and affirmed KNUT’s commitment to mentoring them. “They are our young ones. We are ready to mould them,” he said.
This comes amid growing national tension over the JSS placement model, with teachers in several counties demanding institutional autonomy, separate boards, and distinct funding streams.
By Masaki Enock
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