A total of 39,550 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers who were confirmed to permanent and pensionable (PNP) terms in January 2025 have now been officially enrolled as members of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET).
This move marks a major shift in the representation of JSS teachers, who have been vocal about their concerns regarding their working conditions and union representation.
According to the February Payslips released by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the teachers’ salaries have been deducted union dues amounting to Ksh. 890, confirming their membership under KUPPET.
This automatic inclusion has provided a significant boost to KUPPET, which had been struggling with a dwindling membership over the years.
Despite being enrolled under KUPPET, a considerable number of JSS teachers have been advocating for the formation of their own independent union—the Kenya Junior School Teachers Association (KEJUSTA).
These teachers argue that their unique challenges, such as being stationed in primary school environments while handling secondary school curricula, require a specialized union that understands their plight.
Tensions between JSS teachers and school administrators have also been on the rise, with some teachers reporting cases of mistreatment in various schools.
One such incident recently made headlines when Mr. Vincent Onyancha, a JSS teacher in Nyamira County, was physically assaulted by his school principal.
Mr. Onyancha, who is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Ikonge, was allegedly slapped and kicked by his head teacher in front of students for reportedly arriving late to school.
The shocking incident has drawn widespread condemnation from JSS teachers and the public alike. KEJUSTA has called for a thorough investigation into the matter and demanded immediate disciplinary action against headteachers who mistreat JSS teachers.
The union further urged the TSC and Ministry of Education to take the welfare of JSS teachers seriously, ensuring they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
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