Migori: A section of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Migori County has urged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to fast-track the retooling of Senior Secondary School teachers ahead of the admission of Grade 10 learners in January 2026. The teachers emphasized that the retooling exercise is critical to ensure a smooth transition to Senior Secondary School under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), as Grade 10 learners will be the first cohort to join the new level of learning.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mr. Henry Otunga, a Migori KUPPET branch candidate vying for the Secretary General position, emphasized during an engagement forum at the New South Nyanza Green Stadium (New SONY) in Awendo Sub-County that teachers must be adequately prepared in advance to effectively handle the new curriculum. Otunga stressed the necessity of comprehensive training and retooling for teachers to implement CBC effectively and deliver quality education to learners.
The teachers also called on the Ministry of Education (MoE) to release capitation funds and other institutional allocations in a timely manner to ensure schools operate smoothly when Grade 10 learners report. 'We are ready for Grade 10 learners, and so should be the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission. Funds should be released on time, school infrastructure modernised, and teachers retrained to ensure a smooth and effective transition to CBC,' Otunga added.
On the issue of welfare, the teachers raised concerns over the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical cover. They reported difficulties in accessing quality healthcare services under the SHA comprehensive cover, particularly for tutors in lower job grades. Challenges were noted in ward admissions, where some facilities reportedly do not fully recognize or efficiently process SHA cover for teachers.
The forum also discussed the upcoming KUPPET branch elections scheduled for January 10, 2026. The teachers called on the KUPPET National Executive Board to issue a clear and detailed election calendar, including confirmation of venues, to avoid confusion and disputes. Ms. Jacinta Robi, a KUPPET candidate for the Migori Treasurer position, advocated for the New SONY Green Stadium as the election venue, citing its adequate amenities, including security, washrooms, and power backup.
She noted that earlier in the month, another section of KUPPET members had warned of a potential boycott if the venue was changed without consensus. Traditionally, Migori KUPPET elections have been held at the Migori Teachers Training College in Migori town. However, the proposed relocation of the 2026 elections to the New SONY Stadium in Awendo Sub-County has sparked debate and raised concerns among some union members. The teachers urged the union's national leadership to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and consensus in the election planning process to maintain unity within the union.