In a bold move that could reshape Kenya’s education landscape, primary school headteachers are pushing for permanent control of Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) amid growing concerns over teacher shortages and infrastructure challenges.
More than 10,000 primary school heads gathered in Mombasa this week for their annual general meeting (AGM), where they called for immediate government action to address the mounting crisis in junior secondary education.
Delegates follow proceedings during the Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association Conference in Mombasa on November 4, 2024.Courtesy photo
The Kenya Primary School Headteachers Association (KEPSHA) wants the government to confirm their members as permanent JSS principals, citing their successful management during the recent transition period.
“We have proven our ability to manage JSS effectively during this challenging period,” said a Kepsha representative at the conference. “Our experience with the new system makes us the ideal candidates to lead these institutions permanently.”
The meeting highlighted severe staffing shortages that are crippling the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Many schools are struggling to handle multiple streams with limited teaching staff, leading to overcrowded classrooms and compromised learning quality.
To address these challenges, the heads proposed merging the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) with other educational resources. This merger would create a more substantial funding pool for improving school infrastructure and hiring additional teachers.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has offered a different solution. They suggest moving Grade 9 students to secondary schools, where existing facilities and resources are reportedly underutilised.
“Secondary schools already have the infrastructure and qualified teachers needed for Grade 9 students,” explained a Kuppet official. “This move would ease the burden on primary schools while ensuring quality education for our learners.”
The proposed transfer of Grade 9 to secondary schools has gained support from various stakeholders who see it as a practical solution to the current crisis. Education experts believe this change could happen as early as 2025.
The headteachers’ conference also revealed widespread infrastructure problems affecting JSS implementation. Many schools lack adequate classrooms, laboratories, and other essential facilities needed for the CBC curriculum.
“We cannot deliver quality education without proper facilities,” stated one headteacher from Western Kenya. “Our students deserve better learning environments that support their educational growth.”
The education crisis has sparked heated debates about resource allocation in Kenya’s education sector. Headteachers argue that their experience in managing primary schools during the CBC transition makes them best suited to lead JSS institutions.
Currently, about 15,000 primary school heads seek elevation to principal status. They believe this promotion would create a more streamlined leadership structure and improve resource management across different education levels.
Education stakeholders at the conference emphasised the need for immediate action to prevent further deterioration of educational standards. They called for enhanced collaboration between government bodies, educational institutions, and local communities.
The proposed solutions include:
- Immediate confirmation of primary school heads as JSS principals
- Streamlined funding through NG-CDF merger
- Better infrastructure development
- Additional teacher recruitment
- Improved resource allocation
Parents have expressed growing concern about the impact of these challenges on their children’s education. Many support the headteachers’ demands, seeing them as necessary steps toward improving educational quality.
“We need a stable system that guarantees our children quality education,” said Sarah Kamau, a parent representative at the conference. “The current uncertainty affects both teachers and students negatively.”
The Ministry of Education is now under pressure to address these concerns before the situation worsens. Education experts warn that delays in implementing solutions could harm the CBC’s success and affect thousands of students nationwide.
As discussions continue, the focus remains on finding practical solutions that will ensure smooth transitions between primary and secondary education levels while maintaining high educational standards.
The outcomes of this AGM could significantly influence Kenya’s education sector, particularly as the country continues to implement the CBC system. Stakeholders await the government’s response to these pressing demands from primary school heads.
The conference concluded with a clear message: immediate action is needed to address the JSS crisis and ensure Kenya’s education system meets the needs of all learners. The coming months will prove crucial in determining the future direction of junior secondary education in the country.
