The teachers, who marched through Bomet town streets, called on the government to grant JSS schools independent leadership structures to ensure effective management and quality learning.
Led by KUPPET Executive Secretary Paul Kimeto, the demonstrators stated that the current arrangement — where JSS teachers operate under primary school management — has created confusion, slowed decision-making, and hindered the delivery of quality education.
Kimeto insisted that JSS institutions should have their own principals, deputy principals, and heads of departments (HODs) to ensure smooth operations and provide learners with proper academic and administrative attention.
“The autonomy of JSS is long overdue. The government must create clear administrative structures to ensure efficiency and accountability in junior schools,” Kimeto said.
He further urged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to confirm all JSS intern teachers who have served on contract since 2023, arguing that they have made significant sacrifices over the years and deserve recognition.
“The first cohort of interns must be promoted once confirmed by the TSC. The years they have served as interns must be recognised as part of their experience for career progression,” Kimeto added.
The union leader also raised concerns over challenges in the teachers’ Minet health insurance scheme, saying many members have been unable to access medical services despite regular deductions.
He urged the TSC and Minet to ensure that services are fully operational at AGC Tenwek Hospital in Bomet, which many teachers rely on for treatment.
“Our members’ payslips are mutilated, yet they cannot access services at Tenwek Hospital. The TSC and Minet must intervene immediately,” he said.
On his part, Jackson Kip Cheruiyot, a JSS teacher, said that the lack of distinct leadership in junior schools has compromised learning quality and demoralised teachers.
“The operational confusion in primary setups is nothing but gambling with the lives of learners. Junior school pupils are at a critical stage of choosing career pathways and need teachers who are supported and well-guided,” he noted.
The teachers vowed to continue pushing for reforms until their concerns are addressed by the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission.