Uasin Gishu JSS Teachers Demand Full Autonomy Amid Mounting Challenges
Teachers also raised an alarm at inadequate facilities and the lack of basic amenities. Mercy Ngelechei testified to unsanitary
They argued that JSS should be allowed to operate independently, with its own administration, budget, and infrastructure.
By Juliet Jerotich
Junior Secondary School teachers in Uasin Gishu County, affiliated with the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), have asked the government to grant full autonomy to JSS schools. Speaking at a tearful press conference, the teachers aired their grievances over mismanagement, lack of facilities, and professional indignity under the current system, where JSS is subordinated to primary schools.
They argued that JSS should be allowed to operate independently, with its own administration, budget, and infrastructure. According to them, the current dispensation has disheartened both students and teachers, downgrading the aims of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) coming in through the new 2-9-3-3 education system.
Rejection of the 2-9-3-3 System
Speaking on behalf of his peers, JSS teacher Vincent Kipketer protested against the new system, labeling it confusing and detrimental to quality education. He urged that the previous 2-6-3-3-3 system be reinstated since it provided more consistency and transparency in learning levels.
“We are rejecting the 2-9-3-3 myth,” Kipketer declared. “If JSS is taken separately, then the allocation of resources will be clearer and the result of learning will be improved.” He questioned why JSS remains affiliated with primary schools despite having separate uniforms, curriculum, and government capitation.
Mental Health and Professional Frustration
Anthony Hosea, more popularly known as “Shakur Shakur,” attested to the emotional stress created by having JSS teachers led by unqualified heads. He likened it to “having a nurse having to watch over a doctor,” reminding that most JSS teachers hold degrees, while primary heads merely possess certificates or diplomas.
He revealed that the resulting stress has affected the mental health of teachers, with others reportedly committing suicide. Hosea urged the government to address this imbalance before even more teachers lose their lives to frustration and hopelessness.
Fears of Mismanagement and Favoritism
Jared Biwott grumbled against favoritism and corruption in co-curricular activities, claiming that officials at the primary school level like to take credit for the achievements of students. “We prepare the students, we coach them, but when they win, others come in to take the glory,” he grumbled.
Similarly, Garrison Wanjohi, a teacher at the Ward Garrison Junior School, faulted primary administrators for financial mismanagement of JSS funds. “Money allocated for JSS is diverted or misused. We need autonomy so that our people familiar with our system handle finances,” he asserted.
Poor Infrastructure and Working Conditions
Teachers also raised an alarm at inadequate facilities and the lack of basic amenities. Mercy Ngelechei testified to unsanitary and undignified living conditions, where teachers and students must share toilets due to the limited number of facilities. “We are even sharing toilets—this isn’t just about comfort, it’s about safety and dignity,” she said.
She also criticized the manner in which JSS coaches are replaced in sporting events by others after students have qualified, denying recognition to those who nurtured the talent.
Demand for Qualified Leadership and Genuine Reform
Godfrey Mursoy dismissed the recent government sessional paper as unhelpful, referring to it as “out of touch with the real issues.” He demanded that it be withdrawn, asserting that the paper insults JSS teachers instead of addressing their issues. Kennedy Tarus concurred as well, elaborating that independence is not an issue of power but the fact that JSS must be run by professionals trained in the secondary curriculum.
“Competency-based education will collapse if JSS is not independent—that’s the fact,” Tarus said.
National Call for Education Transformation
The frustrations raised by the Uasin Gishu JSS teachers are a national outcry. As CBC continues spreading, teachers are warning that unless there are frameworks for leadership, finance, and training, the system will crumble.
In a joint appeal to President William Ruto, the teachers pleaded, “Mr. President, we know you hear. Please listen to our cry. Grant junior secondary schools autonomy—for the sake of Kenya’s children.”
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