Knut has criticized TSC’s proposal to elevate junior school teachers into administrative roles, arguing that promotions must reflect years of service, not recent qualifications.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) has strongly criticized the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) over its proposed comprehensive school management structure, arguing that it unfairly positions inexperienced junior school teachers ahead of veteran educators.
Under the proposed model, a principal will head each comprehensive school supported by two deputies: one in charge of primary and another overseeing junior school. TSC says the change will establish clear administrative order amid ongoing disputes between primary and junior school staff.
But Knut Secretary-General Collins Oyuu has firmly rejected the idea, warning that appointing junior school teachers as deputies undermines seniority and disregards long-held promotion protocols within the teaching profession.
“You cannot join the service yesterday and become a deputy head of a school today,” Oyuu said. “Promotions must reflect experience, teaching grade, and years of dedicated service.”
The union argues that the proposal erases historical structures where institutions hosting multiple levels were managed under a single, experienced principal who oversaw all departments. Oyuu reminded the commission that previously, schools hosting O-levels, A-levels, and junior secondary units always maintained clear leadership hierarchies based on experience.
According to Knut, elevating newly recruited teachers—many of them below 30 years old—over long-serving primary school heads risks demoralizing the teaching workforce. The union says ignoring experience will encourage indiscipline, fuel resentment, and destabilize school environments, especially during the CBC transition.
KEPSHA has also backed Knut, warning TSC that primary heads must maintain their authority until the structure is formally anchored. KEPSHA argues that junior school teachers should serve under existing leadership or transfer to senior school.
Meanwhile, TSC Acting CEO Evaleen Mitei maintains that the comprehensive school system demands adaptive leadership. She has urged school leaders to embrace consultation, teamwork, and digital integration as a foundation for modern education management.
Despite these assurances, the standoff persists, and education stakeholders warn that the issue could escalate if not resolved before Grade 9 rollout.
