Junior Secondary School Struggles Persist With Staffing Gaps and Congestion
The challenges faced by Junior Secondary School (JSS) since its inception persist, casting the Ministry of Education in the spotlight for its failure to address these issues.
Two weeks into the academic year, reports indicate that staffing gaps remain unattended, contributing to congestion and confusion within JSS, adversely affecting the learning environment.
A recent check across various primary schools hosting JSS highlights persistent understaffing issues, raising concerns about the ministry’s commitment to the success of this educational level.
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According to Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Chief Executive Nancy Macharia, JSS faces a significant shortage of teachers, with a need for at least 99,045 teachers, whereas the current count is only 56,928.
The implementation of the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) for JSS classes, along with challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding, and a lack of teaching materials, continues to hinder effective learning.
Last year, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that Grade Seven experienced a lack of proper learning due to poor staffing, teacher rivalry, and inadequate preparations within JSS.
KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori voiced disappointment, stating, “The government disrupted an entire year for JSS learners last year, and the same continues this year. It is not too late to change the tide and transition them to high school.”
Misori highlighted the government’s role in the confusion within junior secondary, citing unutilized resources in senior schools, including trained teachers and infrastructure.
Despite Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu’s assurance of smooth learning in the second tier of education, primary school head teachers, who also serve as JSS principals, report that the issues raised last year remain unaddressed.
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Delayed funding poses a significant challenge as schools struggle with debts and the delayed disbursement of capitation funds. Johnson Nzioka, Chairman of Kenya Primary School Heads (Kepsha), emphasized the financial burden on institutions.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang reassured that school capitation funds had been released by the Treasury. However, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has yet to deploy additional teachers to JSS, leaving most schools with only one tutor, hindering effective curriculum implementation.
In various regions, schools resort to passing the extra costs of teaching and learning materials to parents, further straining the educational system.
Uniform-related confusion arises, with some schools requesting parents to purchase workbooks for their children due to insufficient government funding.
Education Cabinet Secretary Machogu directed schools not to turn away JSS learners over uniform issues, allowing Grade Seven pupils to wear uniforms from Grade Six while efforts are made to obtain new outfits.
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In response to concerns about uniforms, Nzioka acknowledged their importance for effective administration and discipline but advised local handling of the issue.
Interviews with JSS teaching staff reveal dissatisfaction, with tutors criticizing the TSC for not taking responsibility to retool them for the required competency in handling learners, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics subjects under the CBC.
Junior Secondary School Struggles Persist With Staffing Gaps and Congestion
