More than 15,000 comprehensive school heads from across Kenya have gathered in Mombasa for the Kenya Comprehensive Schools Heads Association (KECSHA) annual general meeting and conference, The Eastleigh Voice reported. The meeting runs from November 9 to 12 at the Sheikh Zayed Children Welfare Centre in Bombolulu, Nyali subcounty. According to The Star, the question of whether junior schools should be independent is expected to dominate the talks.
The row splits teachers' unions. The Star reported that primary school heads back the current comprehensive model. Under it, one headteacher runs both the primary and junior sections, helped by two deputies, one for each level. The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) wants junior schools to stand alone, with their own principals, deputies, heads of departments and boards of management. The union says the current setup causes "operational chaos". It argues that heads holding P1 certificates or primary diplomas should not appraise junior school teachers, who hold university degrees. Kuppet also wants separate budgets and direct government capitation. It says junior schools lack equipped laboratories and money for learner activities.
The Kenya Primary School Heads Association (Kepsha) disagrees. It says separation would split administration, disrupt continuity and create confusion over who is in charge. It argues that a single structure makes better use of shared buildings and resources. Kepsha also says the unified model was recommended by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms, The Star reported.
The issue was among the most contested during nationwide public hearings on six proposed education reform bills. The National Assembly's Education Committee is still meeting stakeholders before finalising its report.
Early learning is also on the agenda. The Eastleigh Voice cited an assessment by CEMASTEA and Echidna in 15 counties. It found that only 10.1 per cent of pre-primary teachers met the 75 per cent benchmark in pedagogical content knowledge. Among Grade One to Three teachers, the share was about 40 per cent. "You can see that these are the teachers who are taking care of our learners," CEMASTEA national trainer Rahab Chiira said.
KECSHA chairman Fuad Ali said school leaders must respond to curriculum reforms, new technology and growing accountability demands. Heads are also expected to raise leadership and teaching service concerns with their employer, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). New masterclasses will cover topics including financial literacy, school health, foundational learning and parental engagement. The gathering has boosted business for Mombasa hotels and restaurants, and security has been tightened, The Eastleigh Voice reported.
Acting TSC CEO Evaleen Mitei was due to give the opening keynote on Monday. Ali said President William Ruto had first been scheduled to open the meeting on Tuesday. Because of his busy schedule, he will now close it on Thursday instead. Ruto is on a four-day tour of the Gusii region that ends on Wednesday.