Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has confirmed that the government will abandon its plans to employ 46,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers. The announcement, made on June 30, 2024, has reverberated through the education sector, sparking widespread concern about the future of JSS education and the overall stability of Kenya’s educational framework.
Initially, the government had pledged to hire 46,000 JSS teachers to mitigate the severe shortage of educators, exacerbated by the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The CBC, designed to offer a more skill-focused education, has significantly increased the need for qualified teachers adept at delivering the new curriculum. The decision to scrap this hiring plan comes at a critical moment, as schools are already struggling with staff shortages that impede effective education delivery.
CS Machogu explained that budgetary constraints and the need to prioritize other critical areas within the education sector drove the decision. “We face tough choices, and while we acknowledge the urgent need for more teachers, we must also address other pressing needs in our education system, such as infrastructure development, providing learning materials, and improving teacher welfare,” Machogu stated.
The education sector’s budget has been under immense pressure, and this move appears to be an attempt to allocate resources more judiciously. However, education stakeholders warn that the long-term repercussions could be severe.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) expressed profound disappointment, cautioning that the quality of JSS education is at risk. KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu remarked, “Scrapping the plan to hire these teachers is a major setback. Our schools are already overcrowded, and teachers are overstretched. This will negatively impact the quality of education our children receive.”
Parents and educators have also raised alarms, fearing that the already strained teacher-student ratio will deteriorate further. Many parents worry that their children will lack the necessary attention and support, potentially affecting their academic performance and overall development.
In response to the decision, CS Machogu has called for innovative solutions to mitigate the impact. This includes the potential redeployment of existing teachers, increased use of digital learning tools, and partnerships with private sector stakeholders to support educational initiatives.
The Ministry of Education has also hinted at reviewing curriculum implementation strategies to ensure that the current teaching workforce can manage increased demands. This may involve additional training and professional development opportunities for teachers to equip them with the skills needed for the CBC.
