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In a major development in Kenya’s education sector, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has successfully recruited Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers into its ranks. This milestone was confirmed in the February 2025 payslips, which now reflect union deductions under KUPPET, officially marking their membership. This shift signals a major win for JSS teachers, who now have a stronger voice in matters affecting their careers.
The Emergence and Uncertain Future of KUJSSET
Before KUPPET’s success, some JSS teachers had joined a new union—the Kenya Union of Junior and Senior School Teachers (KUJSSET). KUJSSET positioned itself as a specialized body focused on addressing the unique challenges faced by JSS educators. The union had actively recruited members and launched a campaign to gain recognition.
However, with KUPPET now firmly securing JSS teachers under its umbrella, KUJSSET faces an uncertain future. The big question is whether it will continue to push for independent representation or fade away as teachers embrace KUPPET’s established influence.
What JSS Teachers Stand to Gain from KUPPET Membership
By joining KUPPET, JSS teachers will benefit from:
1. Enhanced Collective Bargaining Power
KUPPET has long been a strong advocate for secondary school teachers, and JSS teachers will now have a greater voice in salary negotiations, allowances, and career progression talks.
2. Legal and Professional Representation
Union membership ensures that JSS teachers have legal backing in labor disputes, disciplinary issues, and policy-related matters affecting their profession.
3. Better Terms of Service
KUPPET has been actively pushing for better salaries, permanent employment, and improved working conditions for JSS teachers. Their membership strengthens these efforts.
4. Union Deductions
As seen in February’s payslips, membership in KUPPET comes with union dues. While this means deductions from salaries, the benefits of professional advocacy and bargaining power outweigh the costs.
KUPPET’s Ongoing Efforts to Improve Teachers’ Welfare
KUPPET’s commitment to teachers is evident in recent agreements with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). In October 2024, KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori announced an agreement to promote 45,000 teachers by December 2024 and hire 20,000 more by January 2025. This move aims to address:
- Career stagnation among teachers
- Teacher shortages in various schools
- The demand for better pay and working conditions
These initiatives further solidify KUPPET’s influence and prove why JSS teachers are now aligning themselves with the union.
The Future of KUJSSET and KNUT
With KUPPET securing JSS teachers, the role of KUJSSET remains unclear. Will it fight for relevance, or will its members fully transition to KUPPET?
On the other hand, KNUT (Kenya National Union of Teachers)—which traditionally represents primary school teachers—now seems to have lost its grip on JSS teachers. It may have to shift focus back to advocating for P1 teachers, as KUPPET takes charge of JSS matters.
Conclusion
The recruitment of JSS teachers into KUPPET marks a turning point in Kenya’s education sector. With stronger representation, JSS teachers can expect better working conditions, career growth opportunities, and a louder voice in policy discussions.
As the union takes up their concerns, the future looks promising for JSS teachers under KUPPET. However, it remains to be seen how KUJSSET and other education stakeholders will respond to this shift.
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