Narok: The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has called for Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) to be given autonomous administrative structures separate from primary schools where the classes are currently hosted. The union emphasized the importance of recognizing JSS as independent entities with their own leadership, resources, and curriculum focus.
According to Kenya News Agency, KUPPET Bomet Branch Secretary General Franklin Cheruiyot Rono presented these views to the Parliamentary Committee on Education. He argued that granting JSS autonomy would enhance curricular and co-curricular activities tailored to learners’ needs. Rono spoke at Maasai Mara University in Narok County, where the committee, led by Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap Kipkoros, gathered public opinions on six education reform Bills currently under parliamentary review.
The union believes that JSS autonomy, coupled with improved infrastructure like science laboratories, would elevate the quality of teaching and learning. The Basic Education Bill, 2026, which seeks to overhaul the Basic Education Act, 2015, has sparked differing opinions among teacher unions and education stakeholders. A key issue is the leadership structure of public schools, where KUPPET advocates for junior schools to have their own management structures distinct from comprehensive schools.
Erick Simelko, another KUPPET official, suggested removing references to comprehensive schools from the proposed legislation in favor of establishing autonomous junior schools. Under the current Competency-Based Education system, comprehensive schools combine various educational stages under one management. Simelko proposed a separation into public primary, junior, and senior schools, each with distinct management.
The ongoing public participation exercise, which began on September 14, will conclude on September 25, allowing stakeholders to voice their opinions on the proposed legislation. The six Bills include the Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Bill, 2026; Pre-Service Education and In-Service Training Bill, 2026; Basic Education Bill, 2026; Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026; Kenya National Educational Assessments Council Bill, 2026; and Kenya National Qualifications Framework (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
KUPPET Narok County Chairman Kipkoech Chepkwony called for legislation to shield the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) from external interference. He highlighted the disparities in teacher employment due to such interference, advocating for clearer management guidelines for JSS within the proposed education framework. Chepkwony also called for teacher representation on Boards of Management to better address classroom needs.
During the public participation exercise, MP Makilap encouraged residents to engage in the forums, emphasizing the importance of public input in strengthening transparency and accountability in the legislative process. The proposed Bills aim to revamp governance, financing, assessment, and training frameworks across the education sector based on recommendations from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform.
These legislative changes seek to create a coordinated framework for tertiary education funding, integrate non-formal schools into the national framework, and shift national assessments towards the Competency-Based Education curriculum. The public is urged to submit their views to ensure comprehensive consideration of these reforms.
