Chuka:Tharaka-Nithi Education stakeholders in Tharaka-Nithi have put forward a strong case for greater autonomy for Junior Secondary Schools (JSS), alongside increased and timely government capitation, improved learning facilities, and enhanced career progression for teachers. This comes as Parliament seeks public input on proposed education reforms.
According to Kenya News Agency, a public participation forum was held at Chuka University, where parents, teachers, education officials, and representatives from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) presented their views. The forum was organized by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education to gather opinions on six proposed Education Reform Bills.
Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Ombane Gisairo, a member of the parliamentary committee, explained that the committee aimed to capture the views of Tharaka-Nithi residents for their report. He highlighted that JSS autonomy and concerns over teachers’ career progression were significant issues raised during the forum.
The comprehensive school arrangement’s management of JSS was a focal point of the discussions. KUPPET representatives advocated for greater autonomy, arguing that JSS teachers felt disadvantaged under the current system. Pauline Nyamu, KUPPET Tharaka-Nithi Branch treasurer, emphasized the need for improved facilities to support the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum’s practical components.
While KUPPET pushed for autonomy, KNUT representatives backed the comprehensive model, stressing the need to address existing challenges. KNUT Tharaka-Nithi County Executive Secretary Njeru Mutani called for increased government capitation, suggesting a staggered release throughout the academic year to facilitate better planning and resource management.
Mutani also raised issues regarding illegal fees and the necessity for professional training and career progression opportunities for teachers, particularly in marginalized areas like Igambang’ombe. Stakeholders proposed having a headteacher and deputy headteacher in comprehensive schools to enhance administrative efficiency.
Additionally, the forum discussed tertiary education financing, advocating for a model that makes higher education accessible without excessive loan burdens. The proposed Tertiary Education, Placement and Funding Bill is among the six Bills under review, focusing on establishing a framework for tertiary education placement and financing.
The committee will consider the feedback from Tharaka-Nithi alongside input from other counties in their report to Parliament. Gisairo assured stakeholders that their concerns would be reflected in the report, aiming to address the challenges faced by learners, teachers, parents, and educational institutions.
