The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), has suggested a new plan for junior secondary education. They propose splitting it into two parts: Grade Seven students staying in primary school, and Grades Eight and Nine moving to high school. This is different from the current government approach, where all three junior secondary grades are in primary school.
The union argues that Grade 8 should go to secondary school, addressing challenges in Grade 7, which stays in primary school. They want the first JSS class moving to Grade 8 in January to go to high school. Kuppet believes the one-year implementation of junior secondary school has been problematic and should be stopped. They also call for a study on how well teachers implement the CBC curriculum at the JSS level.
Kuppet’s proposal comes as they celebrate their 25th anniversary, with the Education Cabinet Secretary attending their conference. If JSS stays in primary school, Kuppet asks the government to hire 30,000 teachers for Grade 8. They highlight a shortage of qualified teachers in junior secondary schools, with many inexperienced or lacking subject mastery.
The union criticizes the government’s reliance on intern teachers for CBC implementation in JSS and blames Parliament for not planning and providing enough teachers for the transition. Kuppet also claims that young educators are discontent due to poor pay.
The National Parents Association chairman questions the financial impact on parents, suggesting the government improve primary school facilities instead of implementing Kuppet’s proposals for a smoother Grade 8 rollout.
