The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has called for the immediate transfer of over 20,000 graduate teachers deployed to Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT). KUPPET accuses KNUT of unlawfully retaining members who wish to join KUPPET. The union has given the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) pressure to fast-track the transition, citing continued delays that have resulted in illegal double deductions of union membership fees.
According to KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori, the teachers have effectively transitioned from primary to post-primary education following their deployment to teach the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Junior Secondary Schools. Misori argues that the teachers, possessing a minimum KCSE grade of C+ and relevant subject specialisations, qualify for representation under KUPPET. Their appointment letters designate them as Secondary Teacher II. Over 20,000 graduate teachers have been deployed to JSS over the past three years, but their union membership has not been adjusted.
Misori accuses KNUT of frustrating efforts by teachers seeking to transfer their membership, insisting that retaining individuals who have formally expressed their intention to join another union violates labour laws and existing recognition agreements. He cites recognition agreements signed in November 2019, arguing that the former union has a legal obligation to facilitate the release of teachers who wish to change their union affiliation. KUPPET demands that TSC intervene immediately to ensure the teachers are formally discharged from KNUT.
National Chairman Omboko Milemba backs the demands, calling for legislative reforms to address structural weaknesses in the establishment and administration of Junior Secondary Schools. Milemba argues that the Constitution recognises distinct levels of education, including early childhood development, primary, secondary and tertiary education, and does not provide for the classification of education institutions as ‘comprehensive’. He calls on Parliament to review the classification, saying the current arrangement has created administrative confusion.
Milemba describes the deployed teachers as a neglected group who have sacrificed their previous leadership positions to address staffing shortages during the transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum. Some of the affected educators previously served as head teachers and deputy heads in primary schools but were stripped of their administrative responsibilities after being moved to Junior Secondary Schools. The KUPPET chairman raises concerns over administrative redeployment errors between 2023 and 2024.
National Coordinator and Chair of Deployed JSS Teachers Protas Kanake highlights further challenges, including restrictive transfer policies, stalled career progression and difficult working conditions. Kanake says deployed teachers are generally required to serve for five years before qualifying for transfers, unless they secure a swap with another teacher teaching a similar subject. The restrictions have separated families across counties, while the requirement for subject-matched transfers is particularly difficult for teachers assigned to multidisciplinary learning areas.
KUPPET officials warn that the union will pursue legal action against the employer if the grievances are not addressed promptly. The dispute adds to growing pressure on the government to resolve outstanding administrative, professional and welfare concerns affecting teachers deployed to Junior Secondary Schools as the country continues implementing the Competency-Based Education system. The teachers are demanding full administrative and operational autonomy for Junior Secondary Schools, alongside compensation for 22 teachers who allegedly lost 15 months of employment.
Key points
- KUPPET demands immediate release of 20,000 deployed JSS teachers from KNUT restraint
- Teachers face restrictive transfer policies, stalled career progression and difficult working conditions
- KUPPET threatens legal action if grievances are not addressed promptly
