Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has been vocal in their opposition to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s suggestion that education be transferred to county governments.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori signaled that education devolution would undermine the sector instead of making it stronger.
He clarified that counties are already troubled with health and early childhood education (ECDE), and adding yet another heavy mandate would further compound matters.
“Counties have failed to manage crucial services like health and education. ECDE is dying a slow death in their hands. Teachers are the most poorly paid in the public service, some earning less than subordinate staff,” Misori said.
He added that most ECDE schools across the country lack classrooms, teaching staff, and basic infrastructure, while healthcare in counties is often paralyzed by strikes, staff shortages, and lack of medical supplies.
The union warned that placing teachers under county assembly control would be disastrous for the profession.
KUPPET, on the other hand, urged leaders to tackle long-standing problems such as making education free at every learning level, raising the numbers of teachers promoted, and employing more teachers to work down on vacancies.
An honest national dialogue is what we need.”.Parents continue to struggle with school fees, while schools constantly clash with the government over delayed funds. Making education free would ease these tensions,” Misori said.
KUPPET also called for Junior Secondary Schools to remain within secondary institutions so they can use existing facilities, and suggested that boarding schools be phased out gradually by 2030 to cut costs and keep children closer to their parents.
“Rather than push for constitutional changes, leaders should press the government to deliver on its mandate and improve services for Kenyans,” Misori concluded
