KUPPET, KNUT Differ Over Autonomy of Junior Schools

NAIROBI, Kenya - The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) have clashed over the proposed management structure of Junior Schools. The two unions have taken opposing stances on whether these institutions should operate independently from primary schools. This disagreement surfaced during a public forum organized by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education, discussing suggested changes to education laws.

KUPPET officials in West Pokot advocated for Junior Schools to be treated as autonomous institutions within primary school compounds and led by teachers trained at the post-primary level. Alfred Kamuto, KUPPET West Pokot Executive Secretary, emphasized that supervisors managing Junior School teachers should possess qualifications appropriate for secondary-level education.

He argued that teachers with P1 certificates, primary education diplomas, or Early Childhood Development Education qualifications should not be responsible for supervising, appraising, or mentoring university-trained teachers.

KUPPET proposed that Junior Schools remain physically within primary school compounds but should function autonomously under the leadership of post-primary teachers. Kamuto stated, “A supervisor must qualify to do whatever they manage. The manager of Junior School must therefore be a degree holder with a secondary option, not just a degree holder.” He proposed that Junior Schools be housed within primary school compounds but operate independently.

In contrast, KNUT supported the model proposed by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform, which favored retaining Junior Schools as part of comprehensive schools. KNUT West Pokot Executive Secretary Dorcus Lotimen argued that separating Junior Schools from primary schools could disrupt the transition of learners between levels and restrict the exchange of knowledge and skills among educators.

Lotimen endorsed the Presidential Working Party's recommendation to keep Junior Schools integrated within comprehensive schools, emphasizing the importance of smooth transitions for learners and the sharing of knowledge among teachers to address knowledge gaps.

The committee also heard from the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Kapenguria Campus regarding the Tertiary Education, Placement and Funding Bill, 2026. KMTC called for the proposed legislation to ensure equitable access to financing for KMTC students, considering the high costs associated with health-professional training.

The institution proposed that repayment of HELB loans should not automatically commence one year after completing studies unless graduates secure employment. KMTC student president Andrew Pkemoi emphasized that loan repayment should be contingent on actual employment status, suggesting a cap of four percent of a borrower’s basic salary rather than the proposed 25 percent.

This public participation exercise is part of the committee's ongoing consultations on six education Bills. The committee is in its third week of public participation, gathering input from education stakeholders and institutions before deliberating on the proposed legislative changes.