Kajiado: Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers in Kajiado County have joined their colleagues across the country in demanding autonomy from primary schools. The teachers, who are facing challenges while discharging their duties, believe autonomy is the ideal solution.

According to Kenya News Agency, the teachers complained that working under the management of primary school heads diminishes the distinction between them and primary schools, despite being a level higher. They noted that primary school heads may not understand their challenges, particularly in facilitating teaching activities where funds are required, and thus may not address them promptly, even if capable.

The teachers argue that autonomy would provide management that understands their challenges and focuses on addressing their issues with relevant authorities, leading to better outcomes for JSS. They expressed being overwhelmed by heavy workloads, understaffing, and lack of motivation, highlighting the challenge of handling large numbers of
learners without adequate support.

They urged the government to allow JSS tutors to specialize in their teaching areas to improve learning outcomes. Mary Nyambura, a JSS teacher, emphasized the need for tutors trained in specific subjects they are expected to teach, citing her own experience of being a trained English teacher forced to handle Mathematics and Integrated Science, which affects morale and learner performance.

Another teacher, Abigael Mwendo, supported the call for subject specialization, asserting it will ensure learners receive quality education from professionals trained in specific fields. Edwin Osoro, also a JSS teacher, urged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to urgently address the staffing gap, warning that failure to act risks compromising education quality under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

The teachers also highlighted their inadequate preparation to deliver the CBC effectively, adding to their classroom frustrations. They appealed for more staff to be recruited on per
manent and pensionable terms to ease pressure on the existing workforce and threatened to strike if their demands are not addressed.

Their concerns arise amid ongoing national debate on JSS management, with education stakeholders pushing for clarity on staffing, infrastructure, and curriculum delivery following the transition to the Competency-Based Education (CBE).