Nairobi: Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) Teachers have petitioned the government to review the current structure of junior schools, citing numerous challenges that hinder effective learning and administration. Bolite Odhiambo, a JSS representative and a teacher in Migori, said that they have raised issues regarding the implementation of certain programmes, especially in co-curricular activities, which he said have posed many challenges.
According to Kenya News Agency, Odhiambo urged the Ministry of Education to review the comprehensive school model, which currently integrates junior secondary schools into primary schools. The JSS teachers argued that the arrangement has not been effective, noting that junior schools should have independent administration and operate autonomously, rather than being overseen by primary school management.
Faith Mahiri, a junior school teacher, said they want their own administration to enable independent management, emphasising that junior school teachers are qualified to take up management at the JSS section. Mahiri said that the curriculum activities meant for junior schools are often mixed with those of primary pupils, making it difficult to deliver quality education. The teachers further said that sports and co-curricular activities should be managed independently, and resources specifically allocated to junior schools.
The teachers also expressed concern that learners are being disadvantaged by the current arrangement, which mixes them with primary pupils and denies them the full benefits of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). According to Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Executive Secretary, Migori Branch, Jasolo Orwa, the Ministry of Education should re-examine the Comprehensive School Model in Junior Secondary School (JSS).
Orwa said that merging the JSS and Primary section model was not working, especially in co-curricular management and administration. The official said that the only way to address challenges affecting JSS management is to give the section its autonomy and independence to run its affairs. He added that the JSS management model should be carefully considered and re-examined to ensure the CBC is fully improved and implemented.