KUPPET and KNUT Clash Over Future of Junior Schools as Education Reforms Continue

A fresh disagreement has emerged between Kenya’s two major teachers’ unions over how Junior Schools should be managed under the proposed education reforms.

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) wants Junior Schools to have their own administration, while the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) supports the comprehensive school model.

The opposing views were presented during a public participation exercise by the National Assembly Education Committee in West Pokot County on Monday, September 28, 2026. The committee is collecting views on proposed changes to Kenya’s education laws.

KUPPET argues that Junior Schools should remain within primary school compounds but operate as separate institutions with their own management structures.

The union also wants Junior Schools to be headed by teachers with qualifications suitable for managing teachers at that level. KUPPET officials have argued that those supervising Junior School teachers should have relevant post-primary qualifications.

KNUT, however, has backed the comprehensive school arrangement. Under this model, different levels of education would remain under one management structure.

The union has raised concerns that separating Junior Schools could interfere with the smooth transition of learners and increase pressure on government resources.

The disagreement comes as Parliament considers a package of proposed education reforms aimed at changing various aspects of Kenya’s education system.

Teachers have also raised concerns about other provisions, including the treatment of corporal punishment, teachers’ participation in national examinations and the responsibilities of parents in ensuring children attend school.

The debate over Junior School management has continued since the introduction of the Competency-Based Education system, with stakeholders offering different views on the best structure for Grades 7 to 9.

As Parliament considers the views submitted during public participation, the final management structure for Junior Schools will depend on the legislative process and the decisions made on the proposed reforms.