Busia:Teachers’ unions are at odds regarding the management of Junior Secondary Schools (JSS), with KUPPET advocating for independent administration while KNUT supports maintaining the current structure under primary school leadership.
According to Kenya News Agency, these differing opinions were voiced during public consultations on proposed education Bills at Alupe University in Busia County. Participants also addressed issues such as student financing, loan repayment, and the representation of parents in educational governance.
Teso South MP Mary Emase, a member of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education, stated that the feedback gathered would be presented to Parliament to guide the legislative process. KUPPET emphasized the need for JSS autonomy to allow each educational level its own administration and funding. In contrast, KNUT expressed support for the existing management format. Emase expressed confidence that the contributions would help achieve a favorable outcome.
Participants proposed modifications to the student financing model, suggesting a balance of 50 percent scholarships and 50 percent loans, and recommended reducing the proposed graduate loan repayment rate from 25 percent to 5 percent to ease the financial burden on employed graduates.
National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education Chairperson Julius Melly noted that the public participation exercise included input from teacher unions, the public, and other institutions. The parents’ association highlighted the need for funding and representation in the new Bill. Additionally, stakeholders voiced concerns about the membership of the Kenya National Examinations Council and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development.
Melly assured that all submissions were recorded and would be reviewed during the committee’s report preparation, which will influence the legislation to be presented in Parliament.
Busia County KUPPET Chairman James Omaset reiterated the union’s call for independent management of junior schools, suggesting that while JSS could share premises with primary schools, they should operate independently. He noted that the Teachers Service Commission’s placement of JSS teachers under KUPPET recognizes them as post-primary educators.
