By S, KNA
Primary school heads under patronage of the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) are appealing to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to promote them from Job Group C5 to D3, citing increased workload and responsibilities.
Speaking during the ongoing KEPSHA conference at Sheikh Zayed Children’s Home, Joseph Chesoli, a head teacher from Trans Nzoia County, said the current responsibilities of headteachers have expanded significantly under the Competency-Based Education.
“From the duties and responsibilities we have been assigned, it is clear that we deserve promotion to a higher job group equivalent to that of a Principal, which is D3. We are overseeing three levels of learning: nursery, primary, and junior secondary, all under one institution,” Chesoli said.
Oliver Otieno from Homa Bay County echoed the same sentiments, noting that many headteachers have stagnated in Job Group C5 for more than six years despite handling greater responsibilities.
“As heads of institutions, we request the government to move us from C5 to D3. Some of us have remained in the same job group for over eight years. Given that we now manage junior secondary, primary, and nursery sections, the workload has increased,” said Otieno.
“We urge TSC and Acting CEO Eveleen Mitei to honour previous commitments made under former CEO Nancy Macharia to ensure teachers are not left in one job group for over six years,” he added.
Peter Karisa, a headteacher from Kilifi County, added that headteachers have been managing junior secondary schools for three years without additional allowances and should be recognised for their efforts.
“These teachers have been managing junior secondary school without any extra pay. It is only fair that they are promoted to Job Group D3. Many stagnate in one group for up to seven years. By next year, we hope to see headteachers start at Job Group D,” Karisa stated.
On the reported friction between school heads and junior secondary school teachers, Karisa dismissed claims of conflict, saying the issue had been exaggerated.
“There is no real friction. We only urge KUPPET officials not to incite junior secondary teachers for their own interests. When the issue arose, President Ruto’s working party rightly recommended that junior secondary learners remain in primary schools because of their age. These learners are better handled by experienced primary school teachers,” Karisa explained.
Otieno also criticised the growing calls for autonomy by junior secondary teachers, saying such demands were premature.
“Some junior secondary teachers are only two years into the profession and are already asking for autonomy. The government should instead focus on supporting them to grow professionally. Many of us have over 20 years of experience. KUPPET should guide them to focus on their teaching duties rather than politics,” he said.
Susan Paul, a headteacher from Chebosi, urged junior secondary teachers to embrace mentorship and patience as they gain experience in the profession.
“They need time to grow and learn the system. We all started at lower levels and gained experience over time. Growth in this profession takes patience,” Paul said.
