The Kenya Junior School Teachers Association (KEJUSTA) has strongly condemned remarks made by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General, which suggested that Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers are “too young” to be entrusted with leadership roles such as becoming principals.
The controversial comments, allegedly made during a burial ceremony, have sparked outrage across the teaching fraternity, with KEJUSTA describing them as demeaning, discriminatory, and misleading.
According to KEJUSTA’s National Coordinator, the statement by the KNUT Secretary General is not only an insult to JSS teachers but also undermines the entire teaching profession. The association argues that leadership in education has never been about age, but rather competence, qualification, vision, and commitment to service.
KEJUSTA Defends JSS Teachers
In a strongly worded statement, KEJUSTA emphasized that dismissing young teachers on the basis of age ignores the historical reality of Kenya’s education system. Many principals, past and present, successfully took up leadership roles at a young age and proved capable of managing schools effectively.
“History bears witness that what matters is not age, but vision, discipline, and capability,” KEJUSTA noted.
The association further pointed out that JSS teachers across the country work tirelessly under difficult conditions to support the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Rather than belittling them, KEJUSTA argued, trade union leaders should be at the forefront of defending, protecting, and empowering teachers.
Call for Retraction
KEJUSTA has now urged the KNUT leadership to retract the statement and give JSS teachers the respect they deserve. The association warned that any attempt to paint JSS teachers as undeserving of leadership is not only divisive but also threatens the unity of teachers across the country.
“As JSS teachers, we remain firm, focused, and determined. Our fight for autonomy and recognition will not be derailed by empty rhetoric,” KEJUSTA declared.
Unity in the Teaching Profession
The association also raised concern that such careless remarks could derail the progress and aspirations of thousands of young teachers who are dedicating their careers to shaping Kenya’s education system. KEJUSTA stressed that teachers deserve recognition for their role in implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum, which is central to the future of learners in Kenya.
The statement went on to highlight that undermining JSS teachers not only disrespects them but also threatens the broader teaching community, which thrives on solidarity and unity of purpose.
Why This Matters
The clash between KEJUSTA and KNUT comes at a time when the teaching sector in Kenya is facing significant reforms under the Competency-Based Curriculum. With thousands of JSS teachers recently employed and integrated into the system, their recognition and empowerment are crucial to ensuring smooth implementation of CBC.
Experts note that sidelining teachers based on age risks demoralizing an important segment of the profession and could negatively impact learner outcomes.
Final Word
The storm ignited by the KNUT Secretary General’s remarks underscores the sensitivity surrounding teacher recognition and leadership in Kenya’s education sector. KEJUSTA’s strong response reflects the growing determination of JSS teachers to defend their professional dignity and fight for equal opportunities in leadership.
As debates on teacher leadership continue, one thing remains clear—age should not be used as a barrier to deny hardworking teachers the chance to serve and lead within the education system.
