JSS teachers hold countrywide demos to push for autonomy

The junior secondary school (JSS) teachers have continued with nationwide demonstrations demanding junior school independence.

The teachers say junior schools are not an extension of primary schools and should be allowed autonomy this is despite the institutions being hosted inside primary schools.

They want their schools separated from primary schools for better management and resources.

In Meru county, the teachers have issued a strike threat should the government fail to honor their demand.

The demonstrations were held in Meru town with the teachers accusing primary school headteachers of misusing JSS capitation.

Currently primary school headteachers are principals of junior schools in acting capacity.

TSC gave them a one year contract running from 1st January to 31st December to manage the institutions.

In Embu county the teachers are demanding full autonomy from primary schools, arguing that the current arrangement has exposed them to mistreatment, intimidation, and poor working conditions under primary school headteachers.

The teachers, under the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), say the integration of JSS into primary schools has fueled hostility, with some supervisors perceiving them as rivals rather than colleagues.

Led by KUPPET Branch Executive Secretary Jacob Karura, the teachers petitioned the Government and the National Assembly to enact legislation granting JSS independent boards, administration, and governance frameworks.

They argue that such autonomy is critical to safeguarding their careers, restoring their professional dignity, and securing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

“The merger of pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary under one administration undermines the 2-6-3-3-3 design, which was built on the principle that each stage of learning should stand on its own,” County JSS Interim Chair David Ngari said.

Karura warned that teachers are prepared to strike or move to court if their concerns are ignored, saying the toxic environment not only threatens their profession but also risks derailing CBC implementation.

Among their demands are the ring-fencing of resources allocated to JSS, and urgent construction and equipping of specialized facilities such as laboratories and ICT hubs to improve learning outcomes.

In Isiolo county, the teachers are demanding permanent employment of JSS intern teachers and autonomy for JSS teachers.

In Lamu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Lamu counties the junior school teachers protested poor working conditions. Many feel overworked, disrespected, and lack clear career paths.

In Nyamira County, the Juniour School teachers will address the Media on SAturday at Guardian Hotel.

According to the teachers the current system is causing widespread frustrations and calls for reforms.

Some JSS teachers have threatened to withdraw their membership from Kuppet and form their own union should the push for autonomy fail.

The teachers demos come after a recent move by TSC that is proposing to make primary and junior school one institution headed by one principal and two deputies.