KUPPET: Hosting JSS within primary schools is undermining smooth rollout of CBE

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has called for Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) to be granted independence and full autonomy to ensure the effective implementation of the Competency Based Education (CBE).

The union argued that the current administrative arrangement, where Junior Secondary Schools are hosted within primary schools, is undermining the smooth rollout of CBE.

Speaking on Tuesday March 3, after the first National Executive Board meeting following the election of Junior Schools officials, KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori said JSS should be allowed to operate independently, with authority to manage their own finances, sports programmes, and procurement of learning equipment.

Misori noted that the existing system has created inefficiencies and delays in implementing CBE, as junior schools remain under primary school management structures.

KUPPET Chairperson Amboko Milemba also emphasized that Junior Secondary Schools should have their own principals, deputy principals, teachers, and administrative systems.

He added that JSS should also establish clear structures for student management, promotions, and teachers’ career progression.

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The union officials further announced that they are prepared to take legal action over what they termed as the continued engagement of 44,000 intern teachers by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) without confirmation to permanent and pensionable terms.

KUPPET maintained that the affected teachers are fully registered professionals and should not continue serving under internship arrangements. The union now wants TSC to confirm the teachers to secure their job stability and professional rights.

According to TSC out of 44,000 intern teachers, only 20,000 teachers will be confirmed to PNP terms. The other 20, 000 teachers will have to wait until 2 years is over. Also, the commission plans to recruit another 16, 000 interns.

By Obegi Malack