JSS teachers should be under KNUT, union official says

Murang’a,

Monday, October 16, 2023

KNA by Purity Mugo

A Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) official has called for Junior Secondary School teachers to be registered under KNUT instead of Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET).

Murang’a South KNUT branch Secretary General John Njata argued that since Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) are domiciled in primary schools the teachers should automatically be under the umbrella body that covers primary school teachers.

“As teachers we are happy that JSS is domiciled in primary schools and therefore we expect those teachers to be under KNUT.” Njata said,

He expressed displeasure at the fact that all grade seven teachers have been registered under KUPPET and termed it as an irregularity since they work under school heads who are members of KNUT and asked the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to rectify that promptly.

“We cannot have teachers registered under different unions in primary schools.” he said.

“The union subscription fee that is deducted from their salaries should be remitted to KNUT not KUPPET.” he added.

He also observed that the available teachers are not enough forcing some to teach subjects they are not trained for.

“You find a teacher trained to teach Mathematics and Physics having to teach English.” he observed.

Njata further advised TSC to fast track promotion of teachers saying some have been in the same job group for six years.

“TSC should not be conducting interviews to promote teachers in the common cadre job groups and should reserve those interviews for the higher job groups.” He said adding that timely promotions will ensure a motivated and more productive workforce.

The official also lamented over delayed capitation to primary schools although the government is saying funds will be availed.

“Without the money the teachers are not able to run schools and facilitate school activities such as sports.” he said, noting that head teachers are no longer allowed to send pupils home over nonpayment of fees in spite of the financial constraints.

He urged the government to prioritize education by ensuring that funds are released on time so as to facilitate smooth running of schools.

Courtesy; KNA