Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers in Kenya are calling for the reinstatement of colleagues who previously held administrative positions before their deployment. According to JSS National Spokesperson Bernard Mutuva, these teachers made significant sacrifices to facilitate the transition of learners from primary school to Junior School. The deployment process did not erase their qualifications, experience, or leadership capacity.
The JSS teachers also want the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to facilitate transfers for those who have overstayed in their current stations. Mutuva stated that many deployed teachers have served for long periods in their current stations and are seeking transfers to new areas. The teachers' views, which represent more than 10,000 deployed JSS teachers across the country, emphasize the need for fair treatment and recognition of their qualifications and experience.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the JSS teachers, providing a platform for their grievances to be presented to TSC. Mutuva welcomed the signing of the MoU, saying it would help address the teachers' concerns. The teachers are seeking justice, recognition, career progression, and opportunities commensurate with their qualifications, experience, and contribution to the education sector.
The JSS teachers are demanding distinct consideration in promotions, arguing that JSS is a separate level within the 3:6:3:3 education structure and should not necessarily compete for promotional opportunities with Senior School teachers. Mutuva emphasized that the teachers are not against education reforms but want to be recognized and treated fairly. KUPPET Deputy Secretary General Nthurima Moses affirmed that JSS teachers are full members of the union.
Moses rejected advances by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), stating that unions are sector-specific and JSS teachers belong to post-primary. The JSS teachers' demands are focused on getting fair treatment and recognition within the education sector. The TSC has not yet commented on the teachers' demands.
The JSS teachers' concerns are related to their deployment and the transition to the new education structure. The deployment process has affected their career progression and opportunities. The teachers are seeking a resolution to their issues through the MoU with KUPPET.
The outcome of the JSS teachers' demands remains to be seen. The TSC and the government will need to consider their concerns and respond accordingly. The education sector in Kenya is closely watching the developments.
Key points
- JSS teachers demand reinstatement of administrators and transfers
- Teachers Service Commission (TSC) urged to facilitate transfers
- JSS teachers seek distinct consideration in promotions
