In a circular dated October 2, and signed by the KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori, the teacher union formally requested a meeting with the TSC Acting CEO Evaleen Mitei to handle the growing call for delink and autonomy among the tutors.
“On behalf of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) to formally request a meeting with you to deliberate on the growing disquiet among Junior school teachers across the country.” Reads part of the circular.
Misori said that the ongoing demands by Junior school teachers highlight significant concerns regarding their incorporation under a leadership structure headed by primary school head teachers with qualifications not aligned to the unique demands of junior school education.
He added that the situation has led to calls for autonomous leadership that recognizes the professionalism and career development needs of junior school teachers.
“Considering these developments, KUPPET seeks a constructive engagement with the Commission to explore viable solutions that uphold the rights and professional dignity of the Junior school teachers, improve management structures, and promote harmonious working relationships within the education sector.” He said
This comes amid countrywide calls by the Junior Secondary School teachers to be delinked from the current comprehensive school structure which is led by the Head of Institution, (HoI) and domiciles Junior Schools.
The call for autonomy has been loud, with the tutors agitating against bad leadership, intimidation, lack of budget to facilitate their co-curricular activities. They have maintained that without review of the school structure, the success of the CBE might be dwindled and the welfare of the JSS teachers will not be effectively handled.