Kuppet Garissa urges state to shift JSS back to high schools

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers from Garissa.

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers in Garissa has urged the government to reverse its decision to domicile Junior Secondary Schools in primary schools.

They want JSS returned to secondary schools as initially envisioned.

In December 2022, President William Ruto directed JSS be hosted in existing primary schools, following recommendations by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms.

But teachers, led by Garissa branch executive secretary Melchizedek Igunza, argue the arrangement has created confusion in administration, accountability and co-curricular management.

They insist JS schools should operate as independent entities with structures similar to secondary schools.

“JS teachers and the school itself being domiciled in a primary school does not make it a primary school. It should be run by qualified secondary teachers,” Igunza said, adding that the retooling of JSS teachers prepared them for secondary, not primary, education.

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Garissa branch Executive Secretary Melchizedek Igunza.

He lamented that the lack of resources in primary schools, such as laboratories and departmental structures, leaves learners disadvantaged.

“There is no clear structure for JS teachers to address human resource issues. Teachers are just there, while the head of the institution is from the primary school,” he said.

JS teacher Ayako Wilfred also criticised the absence of a clear career progression policy, saying it leaves teachers uncertain about their professional future.

“This fight affects generations — young JS teachers who are struggling in the profession, and the learners we teach. It is about survival and the well-being of our students,” he said.

The government has promised to expand infrastructure in primary schools, including extra classrooms and laboratories, to support the transition.

The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development backs the move, arguing it eases learners’ emotional adjustment and allows them to remain in familiar environments.

Still, Kuppet maintains that only secondary schools can provide the structures, resources and leadership required for junior secondary education.

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