CS Ogamba Rules Out Autonomy for JSS Teachers, Confirms The Following
The Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba has put to rest ongoing debates about the future of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers, confirming that they will continue operating under Primary School Heads of Institutions (HOIs).
Speaking before the Senate on October 1, 2025, CS Ogamba said the current JSS structure follows the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER), which recommended merging primary and junior schools into comprehensive schools. Each will be led by one principal with two deputies.
Recently, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) appointed JSS teachers to serve as deputy principals — a move signaling full adoption of the PWPER model.
JSS Teachers Push for Autonomy
Over 50,000 JSS teachers have been demanding independence from primary schools, even holding nationwide demonstrations last week. They argue that:
- Management under primary HOIs is poor and unaccountable.
- Autonomy would ensure better use of resources.
- Independence would clear pathways for career progression.
Despite acknowledging these concerns, Ogamba said reforms are still under review:
“The process of reforming Junior Secondary to respond to emerging concerns is in progress. At the right time, Parliament will receive proposals for consideration,” he told Senators.
Teachers Handling Subjects Outside Their Specialization
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu questioned why some JSS teachers were forced to teach subjects outside their area of expertise.
In response, CS Ogamba said the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) introduced new subjects not directly aligned with traditional teacher training. He assured Senators that:
- All JSS teachers have undergone retooling to equip them with new pedagogical skills.
- The government has prioritized recruitment in sciences, mathematics, and technical subjects to close staffing gaps.
Infrastructure and Laboratory Shortages
Lawmakers also raised concerns about inadequate facilities, especially laboratories and workshops needed for practical learning.
Ogamba admitted the gaps but highlighted progress:
- The government has built 23,000 classrooms nationwide.
- Schools without laboratories have been instructed to repurpose existing rooms.
- Each JSS learner receives Ksh. 4,000 annually under the infrastructure and maintenance fund to support laboratory setups.
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