The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has dismissed a proposal by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to shift the management of education to county governments.
Addressing journalists on August 20, KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori argued that devolving education would destabilize the sector. He cited counties’ poor handling of healthcare and Early Childhood Development (ECD) as evidence that they are ill-prepared to manage basic and secondary schooling.
“Counties have already failed in sectors like health, where frequent strikes are the norm. In education, ECD teachers are the worst paid in the public service, earning less than subordinate staff,” Misori noted.
The union warned that placing teachers under county assemblies would open the door to political interference and mismanagement. Instead, KUPPET wants the government to strengthen national oversight by fast-tracking teacher promotions, employing more staff, and ultimately making education free at all levels.
KUPPET also insisted that Junior Secondary Schools remain under secondary institutions so that existing resources, such as laboratories and libraries, can be shared. The union further suggested that boarding schools be phased out gradually by 2030, enabling learners to stay with their families and reducing costs.
Misori emphasized that the debate should focus on improving education under the current constitutional framework rather than pushing for amendments. He called for a national dialogue on sustainable solutions, including the abolition of bursaries and scholarships in favor of free universal education.
“The real conversation is how to end disputes over school fees and capitation delays, not who manages teachers. Education must remain a national function,” he concluded.
