Murang’a County, Kenya – Tensions are rising in Murang’a County as Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers threaten to strike over their employment status, citing low pay and short-term contracts. The teachers are demanding permanent positions and greater operational independence from primary school administration. Their push for autonomy has sparked a dispute with primary school unions, with the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) officially rejecting the demands. Primary school headteachers argue that maintaining oversight is essential, particularly following the successful administration of recent Grade 6 examinations.
The disagreement highlights broader challenges in Kenya’s ongoing education reforms, particularly under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) framework, which introduced Junior Secondary Schools in primary institutions. JSS teachers claim that the lack of permanent employment affects morale and instructional quality, while headteachers caution that independent operation could disrupt school management. The standoff comes as the Ministry of Education prepares for increased enrollment in Junior Secondary grades and the gradual rollout of Grade 10 under CBC, prompting concerns over potential disruptions if a strike occurs.
Reactions from stakeholders have been mixed. Some parents and education advocates sympathize with the teachers, emphasizing the need for job security and fair remuneration. Others support KEPSHA’s position, arguing that cohesive management is critical to maintaining order and safeguarding exam processes. The Ministry of Education has yet to respond directly to the dispute, though negotiations are expected to continue in hopes of averting a strike that could affect thousands of students across the county.