President William Ruto has pledged to address concerns raised by Junior Secondary School teachers concerning their push for autonomy.
The President said so after meet KJSEA examiners at State House Girls High School in Nairobi, where he invited one of them to speak where he highlighted the need for financial and management autonomy for Junior Secondary, saying the current arrangement—where JSS sections operate under primary school administrations—limits efficiency and accountability.
The teachers proposed that Junior Schools should have their own leadership structure, including independent head teachers, separate vote-heads, and full decision-making powers over daily operations.
In response, President Ruto acknowledged the concerns, noting that his administration had already invested heavily in Junior Secondary staffing.
“Under my leadership we have hired many JSS teachers — almost 80 percent of the teachers hired recently are JSS teachers,” he said.
The President assured the teachers that their concerns were valid: “I have listened to you and I think you have a point, and I will work on it.”
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He added that although the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is an independent institution, the government would still provide policy guidance to ensure a lasting solution.
“We will work with TSC. Even though it is an independent commission, we are going to give them a policy and directions on what they need to do,” he said.
Ruto emphasized that the issue of autonomy would be addressed, urging teachers not to exert additional pressure: “I will address the autonomy. Please don’t push me again to the wall,” the head of state said.
The President’s assurances come at a time when JSS teachers have been pushing for recognition, improved working conditions, and clarity in the management structure of Junior Secondary schools.
Education stakeholders say the matter is urgent as the Junior School system continues to evolve, and proper structures are needed to support learners transitioning under the CBC.
By Kithinji Njeru
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