39,550 JSS teachers who were confirmed to permanent and pensionable (PnP) terms in January 2025 are now members of Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET.
JSS Teachers are now Under KUPPET
Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has included JSS teachers in KUPPET membership effective February 2025. This was reflected in the teachers’ February payslips which had a deduction of Ksh. 890 as union dues.
This is a big boost for KUPPET which has been losing membership in recent years. However not all JSS teachers are happy with this development as some are pushing for their own union, Kenya Junior School Teachers Association (KEJUSTA).
Calls for a Separate JSS Teachers’ Union
Despite being automatically included in KUPPET, JSS teachers have been agitating for KEJUSTA saying their work environment in primary schools requires distinct representation.
The issue of teacher mistreatment has further fueled the demand for a separate union. Yesterday, KEJUSTA issued a statement condemning the assault of a JSS teacher, Mr. Vincent Onyancha, by his headteacher in Nyamira County. The teacher is currently in a hospital in Ikonge after being slapped and kicked by the school principal for allegedly arriving late.
KEJUSTA has called for thorough investigations into the matter and is demanding action against headteachers who mistreat JSS teachers.
KUPPET’s Role in JSS Teachers’ Welfare
KUPPET has stood with JSS teachers in the past, including advocating for their confirmation from internship to PnP terms. But the latest developments show a chasm. In August 2024, KUPPET supported striking JSS intern teachersas they went on strike demanding permanent employment.
However some JSS teachers feel KUPPET is not addressing their specific concerns especially since they work in a primary school environment where challenges are different from those faced by traditional secondary school teachers.
KNUT’s Bid to Woo JSS Teachers
KNUT has also been courting JSS teachers and trying to recruit them into its membership. But JSS teachers have rejected KNUT’s advances saying they don’t consider themselves primary school teachers.
KUPPET’s Response and Next Steps
In response to these concerns KUPPET is re-configuring its structure to include JSS officials who will handle issues affecting their colleagues in primary schools. This is seen as a move to retain JSS teachers and prevent KEJUSTA from forming.
The debate shows the changing landscape of teacher representation in Kenya with JSS teachers at the centre of a battle for union recognition and fair treatment.
What’s Next?
Will KEJUSTA break away or will KUPPET assimilate their concerns? Only time will tell.