Since the junior secondary school section was incorporated into primary schools in 2023, teachers have voiced frustrations over being under the supervision of primary school head teachers. Through the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) and the Kenya Association of Junior School Teachers (KAJST), they are now demanding autonomy in administration.
Teachers argue that the current arrangement stifles their professional growth and diminishes their career progression opportunities. This is because primary school head teachers—most of whom are trained at the P1 level—continue to serve as principals of the so-called comprehensive schools, overseeing both primary and junior sections.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC), acknowledging the growing friction, has proposed a new structure to address the leadership conflict. The plan suggests introducing principals for each comprehensive school, supported by two deputies—one in charge of primary and another overseeing junior school. However, this system can only be implemented after legal amendments are passed, as comprehensive schools are not yet formally recognised in law.
During a Senate Education Committee meeting in Mombasa, TSC’s Director of Staffing, Ms Antonina Lentoijoni, admitted that the transition has been challenging. She noted that many junior school teachers do not respect their current supervisors, especially when they are aware of the head teachers’ training background.
President William Ruto has also intervened in the matter. During a recent State House meeting with teachers, he instructed Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to fast-track Bills that would resolve the governance issues affecting junior schools.
Until such reforms are finalised, primary school head teachers will remain in charge, guided by interim policies from the commission. However, teachers’ unions insist that the long-term solution lies in granting junior school teachers autonomy, ensuring fairness and professionalism in management.
