The Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association (KEPSHA) has finally broken its silence on the raging debate about Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers and their union membership. According to KEPSHA National Chairman, Mr. Johnson Faudi Ali, JSS teachers are free to decide which union to join without being coerced. This clarification comes after weeks of heated discussions over whether JSS teachers should strictly be under the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) or the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET).
Mr. Faudi Ali emphasized that the association does not support forced affiliation. Instead, teachers can choose to align with KNUT, KUPPET, or even remain unaligned. For JSS teachers, this development is being viewed as an important step toward professional autonomy and recognition, particularly after months of complaints about mistreatment and lack of clear identity within the teaching fraternity.
Why This Matters for JSS Teachers
Since the rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), JSS teachers have struggled with an identity crisis. They teach junior secondary classes but are housed in primary schools, creating confusion about whether they should be categorized as primary or post-primary teachers. Many have reported being treated unfairly by primary headteachers, facing excessive workloads, and lacking the independence to make professional decisions.
The issue of union membership has only added to this confusion. Some education leaders pushed for JSS teachers to join KNUT, arguing that their workstations are in primary schools. Others insisted that they rightfully belong to KUPPET because their duties align more with secondary-level teaching. This tug of war left many JSS teachers feeling stranded, unsure which union could genuinely represent their professional needs.
KEPSHA’s latest statement provides clarity by giving JSS teachers the freedom to choose their path. Teachers can now evaluate which union best serves their interests in areas such as promotions, transfers, and working conditions.
The Bigger Picture: Union Competition Heats Up
The stakes are high because JSS teachers represent a significant voting bloc in the union landscape. With more than 50,000 JSS teachers across Kenya, their alignment could shift the balance of power between KNUT and KUPPET. Both unions are already engaged in aggressive campaigns to win over this group, knowing that membership strength directly translates to bargaining power during negotiations with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
This comes against the backdrop of recent events that have exposed tensions around JSS autonomy. Earlier, TSC proposed granting JSS teachers full autonomy, a move that was welcomed by many educators but sparked mixed reactions among stakeholders. In Isiolo, JSS teachers staged protests demanding independence and better treatment, as captured in this report: JSS Crisis: Isiolo Teachers Demand Autonomy and Intern Absorption.
Similarly, union activism has gained momentum. In Bungoma, KUPPET organized demonstrations to push for intern teachers’ absorption into permanent terms, further highlighting frustrations within the sector: KUPPET Bungoma Demo: Intern Teachers Push for Recognition. Meanwhile, KUPPET has also issued a strong ultimatum to TSC, demanding JSS independence before the end of 2025: KUPPET Ultimatum on JSS Independence.
All these events show how central JSS teachers have become in Kenya’s education debates.
Why KEPSHA’s Stand is Timely
KEPSHA’s announcement could calm ongoing tensions and bring order to a debate that has threatened to divide the teaching profession. By leaving the decision in the hands of JSS teachers, the association has empowered them to take control of their professional identity.
This development also reduces the risk of political interference in union recruitment. For years, teachers have complained about being forced into unions without their consent. Now, JSS teachers have a choice to weigh the track records of KNUT and KUPPET before committing.
What Union Membership Means
Union membership is not just about paying dues. It determines the kind of representation teachers will receive when issues such as promotions, transfers, appraisals, and welfare benefits are negotiated. For instance:
| Union | Membership Base | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| KNUT | Primarily primary school teachers | Strong grassroots presence, history of advocacy for classroom teachers |
| KUPPET | Post-primary teachers (secondary and tertiary) | Focused on career progression, salaries, and welfare for post-primary staff |
JSS teachers must carefully evaluate which union aligns with their roles and long-term career goals.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Early reactions from JSS teachers suggest mixed feelings. Some welcomed the freedom of choice, saying it will allow them to align with unions that truly reflect their professional challenges. Others expressed skepticism, worrying that the competition between KNUT and KUPPET might only use JSS teachers as pawns in larger union battles.
Education experts, however, see KEPSHA’s announcement as a win for teacher autonomy. By respecting the freedom of association, the teaching profession moves closer to international labor standards.
What Next for JSS Teachers?
As campaigns intensify, JSS teachers are expected to take time and critically analyze the benefits offered by both unions. Key considerations include representation on promotion boards, welfare programs, and negotiation of allowances.
At the same time, the Teachers Service Commission will continue to recognize both unions in discussions about teacher management. This ensures that whichever direction JSS teachers choose, their voices will be heard.
The debate over autonomy is far from over, but KEPSHA’s latest stand has provided clarity. JSS teachers finally have the power to choose their destiny in union matters, a move that could shape the future of teacher representation in Kenya for years to come.
