Plans to grant JSS autonomy on top gear; KUPPET boss Milemba tells teachers

Speaking during the World Teachers' Day celebrations at the Moi International Sports Centre on Sunday, Milemba said that the intensifying push for autonomy by JSS tutors has been escalated to the government and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

"We have heard you and we have taken the steps of writing to the commission so that we can discuss with the government," he said.

"As we do so, let us demonstrate good respect, let us work for the kids who are the key people around us. I am looking forward to leaders in government and TSC to equally invite our brothers so that we solve that amicably."

He, however, urged teachers to work in collaboration amid pay and medical cover constraints which he said are being fast-tracked to streamline the education sector.

“As teachers of Kenya, we must work together. ECD teachers are suffering because they are being paid below the minimum wage, and there is a great need to address those issues. There have been differing opinions and schools of thought, but we need our CBAs implemented. We are also facing challenges with our medical cover, and we shall find a solution," he said.

KUPPET, along with JSS tutors across the country, has been demanding the establishment of a distinct administrative framework for JSS, independent of the primary schools where the new learning level is currently domiciled.

They argue that the government’s decision to domicile JSS within primary schools has created widespread confusion, particularly in areas such as school administration, sports, and co-curricular activities.

Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Migos Ogamba added that the State is working to address the challenges facing teachers across the nation.

“We have employed 74,000 teachers within the last two years, and we’re looking forward to hiring 24,000 more in January to address the shortage," said Ogamba.

He added that funding concerns are also being prioritized, noting that schools will receive capitation upon verification from the exchequer.

"The government remains committed to adequately funding schools. We will also increase capitation for institutions whose learners have been verified. So far, we have verified 38,000 schools, and capitation has already been released as we await the completion of the verification process," he said.

The CS further noted that a detailed report will be issued in ten days to help ascertain the total number of schools and learners.