The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Trans-Nzoia branch, has vehemently rejected the proposal to separate Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) from primary school management, arguing that it would set back the progress of basic education in the country.
In a statement issued from his office, George Wanjala, the KNUT Secretary-General for Trans-Nzoia, criticised the proposal to remove the oversight of primary school headteachers over JSS.
He warned that such a move would negatively impact the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and undermine the quality of education in the region.
“Removing the management of JSS from the primary school headteacher would severely undermine the efforts we’ve made to streamline the education system under the CBC,” Wanjala said.
“P1 teachers are fully qualified and have extensive experience, having taught up to grade nine, and they are the most capable professionals to handle this transition.” He said.
The CBC, which emphasises skill-based learning rather than rote memorisation, is a relatively new education model in Kenya. According to Wanjala, P1 teachers are best equipped to guide students through this innovative system because they understand the needs of young learners and are trained to deliver the curriculum effectively.
“P1 teachers best understand the new CBC curriculum.Many primary school teachers are already teaching grade nine, and they are well-versed in handling these children. The suggestion to take JSS away from primary school management is misguided, and we oppose it in the strongest terms,” Wanjala added.
Wanjala’s sentiments were echoed by other union leaders at the event. Wilboface Masinde, Chairman of KNUT Trans-Nzoia, and Patricia Melisa, the Women’s Leader for the branch, also joined Wanjala in voicing their opposition to the proposed changes.
The leaders called on the Ministry of Education to reconsider its stance and engage with teachers and other education stakeholders in finding the best way forward for JSS integration.
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“We have seen overwhelming feedback from the community and educators who believe that JSS should remain under the guidance of primary school headteachers,” Masinde said.
He added: “The majority opinion is clear — JSS and primary schools are linked, and it would be detrimental to split them apart.”
The proposal to separate JSS from primary schools has sparked a heated debate among educators and parents alike, with critics warning that the move could create confusion and hinder the smooth operation of the CBC framework.
Education stakeholders have urged the government to prioritize dialogue with teachers, unions, and parents to ensure that any reforms to the education system are in the best interest of students.
As the debate continues, the KNUT Trans-Nzoia branch remains resolute in its opposition to the separation of JSS from primary school management, emphasising the importance of a united and well-coordinated educational structure to meet the evolving needs of the Kenyan student population.
By Osborne Benn
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