The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Central Region has strongly opposed proposals by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) to grant Junior Secondary Schools administrative autonomy, saying the move goes against ongoing education reforms.
Speaking during a press briefing in Thika, KNUT Central Region Secretary Mathenge Wanjau said KUPPET’s position contradicts the recommendations of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms. The report endorsed the establishment of comprehensive schools bringing together Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), primary (Grades 1–6), and Junior Secondary (Grades 7–9) under a single head of institution now referred to as a Principal.
“We stand firmly by the reforms that propose one comprehensive school structure. Fragmenting the system would only take us backward,” said Wanjau.
He called on Education Cabinet Secretary Dr. Migos Ogamba and Members of Parliament to fast-track debate on Sessional Paper No. 10 of 2024 and Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025 to formally anchor the comprehensive school system in law.
At the same event, KNUT National Women Representative Loise Njeri defended the competence of primary school heads, saying they are adequately qualified to oversee the expanded learning structure.
“TSC data shows that nearly 80% of headteachers have attained a Diploma in Management from KEMI, while many others hold Bachelor’s, Master’s, and even PhD degrees,” she said.
Council Chair Charles Ngunjiri urged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to reject any meetings with KUPPET officials on the proposed autonomy of Junior Schools, warning that such engagements could undermine the stability of the education sector.
Ngunjiri accused KUPPET of inciting Junior Secondary teachers, funding disorganized protests, and maligning primary school heads instead of fostering unity among educators.
The union also lauded Education CS Dr. Ogamba for advising TSC to retain the current administrative structure that integrates primary and junior levels under one leadership.
“Maintaining the comprehensive model safeguards both learners and teachers and ensures a seamless transition between learning stages,” Wanjau added.
KNUT reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Ministry of Education and Parliament to ensure the full implementation of education reforms aimed at strengthening the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and enhancing efficiency in school administration.
 Central Region has strongly opposed proposals by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) to grant Junior Secondary Schools administrative autonomy, saying the move goes against ongoing education reforms.){kind=link}