KUPPET Pushes for 65-Year Teacher Retirement Age, Rejects KNEC Exam Fees.
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) is urging the government to reconsider the mandatory retirement age of 60 years, advocating for an extension to 65 years.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, Deputy Secretary-General Moses Nthurima expressed concerns over the rigid enforcement of the retirement policy by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). The union argues that experienced educators should remain in service to continue contributing to the profession.
This demand follows a contentious meeting held three months ago, where discussions aimed at increasing KUPPET officials’ retirement age to 65 took place. Despite these efforts, the government remains firm on the existing policy.
In July last year, President William Ruto reaffirmed that all public servants reaching 60 years must retire without exceptions or tenure extensions.
Opposition to Grade 9 Examiner Training Fee
KUPPET has also strongly opposed a proposal by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) requiring Grade 9 examiners to pay Ksh10,500 for training.
Nthurima led the resistance against this requirement, emphasizing that teachers involved in the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSCA) should not bear the financial burden of training. The union insists that the government should cover these costs instead.
The KJSCA, an essential component of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), assesses students’ competencies at the end of Grade 9, replacing the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE).
The upcoming examinations are scheduled to commence in October, with practical assessments running from October 27 to October 31. The theory exams will begin on November 3 with English and Chemistry and conclude on November 21.
Read Also: Inside CBC: The Transition to Senior Secondary (Grade 10)
Additionally, mid-year project-based assessments for specific subjects have been scheduled. Creative Arts & Sports assessments will take place from May to July, while Pre-Technical Studies evaluations are set for July. KUPPET remains firm in its stance against the training fee and continues to advocate for policies that prioritize teachers’ welfare.
KUPPET Pushes for 65-Year Teacher Retirement Age, Rejects KNEC Exam Fees
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