Kenyan teachers demand reform for Junior Secondary school leadership

Frustrated JS teachers say reporting to primary headteachers stifles their careers. Will TSC's response bring long-awaited change to Kenya's education system?

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2026 March 30 . 2:11 AM

1 min read

The image shows John Bull's complaint to the public schoolmaster, with two people sitting on chairs... — The image shows John Bull's complaint to the public schoolmaster, with two people sitting on chairs in front of a table with a hat and papers on it. In the background, there is a door and a paper attached to the wall.

Kenyan teachers demand reform for Junior Secondary school leadership

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has called for urgent changes in the management of Junior Secondary (JS) schools. In a letter dated October 2, the union demanded a meeting with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to address concerns over leadership structures affecting JS teachers across the country. Kuppet is pushing for the Junior Secondary wing to either gain full independence or be transferred to existing secondary schools. The union argues that the current system, where JS teachers report to primary school headteachers, undermines their professionalism and career growth. Officials have stressed that Junior Secondary education aligns more closely with secondary schooling in terms of teaching methods, curriculum, and student needs.

Earlier, Kuppet representatives met with President William Ruto to advocate for JS to be placed under secondary school administration. The union's stance reflects wider dissatisfaction among JS teachers, many of whom have repeatedly called for separate leadership. Their concerns centre on recognition of their specialised roles and the need for a system that supports their professional development. The letter to TSC highlights the urgency of the matter, though no details were provided on the number of JS teachers currently working under primary-trained principals.

Kuppet's demands signal growing pressure for reform in how Junior Secondary schools are managed. If implemented, the proposed changes would redefine leadership structures and potentially improve working conditions for JS teachers. The outcome of the requested meeting with TSC will determine the next steps in addressing these concerns.