The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has officially enrolled 39,550 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers into the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) after their confirmation to permanent and pensionable (PnP) terms in January 2025.
Automatic Union Membership & Deductions
Starting February 2025, JSS teachers’ TSC payslips reflect a deduction of Ksh. 890 in KUPPET union dues, confirming their membership. This move strengthens KUPPET, which has been facing membership declines in recent years.
JSS Teachers Push for Their Own Union – KEJUSTA
Despite their enrollment into KUPPET, JSS teachers have been advocating for their own union, the Kenya Junior School Teachers Association (KEJUSTA), to better address their unique challenges within the primary school environment.
KEJUSTA is now demanding justice for Vincent Onyancha, a Nyamira-based JSS teacher who was reportedly slapped and kicked by his headteacher in front of students for allegedly arriving late. Onyancha is currently recuperating at Ikonge Hospital.
KEJUSTA has called for an immediate investigation into the incident and action against headteachers mistreating JSS teachers.
KUPPET’s Support for JSS Teachers
KUPPET has historically supported JSS teachers, advocating for their transition from internship terms to permanent employment. In August 2024, KUPPET joined striking JSS intern teachers in protests, demanding their confirmation.
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has been attempting to recruit JSS teachers, but they have rejected the idea, arguing that KNUT primarily represents primary school teachers.
KUPPET Restructuring to Address JSS Teachers’ Needs
In response to JSS teachers’ concerns, KUPPET is now reorganizing to include JSS-specific leadership, ensuring their needs are addressed while they continue working in primary school settings.
The future of JSS teachers’ union representation remains uncertain as the push for KEJUSTA gains momentum. However, KUPPET’s latest move signals its commitment to retaining JSS teachers within its membership.
