Over 500,000 Secondary School Workers to Lose Jobs as JSS Framework Rolls Out

Over 500,000 Secondary School Workers to Lose Jobs as JSS Framework Rolls Out.

Over 500,000 non-teaching staff in secondary schools across Kenya are expected to lose their jobs starting January 1, due to the implementation of the Junior Secondary School (JSS) framework.

Workers such as laboratory technicians, cleaners, cooks, and secretaries have already begun receiving redundancy notices as the government rolls out the 2-6-3-3-3 Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

This development follows the government’s decision to move Grade Nine learners to primary schools under the new system. The transition is anticipated to drastically lower the student population in secondary schools, rendering many non-teaching staff positions unnecessary.

The Kenya Union of Domestic Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals, and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA) has voiced strong opposition to the decision.

The union’s secretary-general, Albert Njeru, condemned the layoffs as a severe cost-cutting measure. He urged the government to explore alternatives, including reassigning affected workers to other roles within the education sector or facilitating early retirements to ease their hardship.

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Njeru expressed concern that the redundancy notices lack clear direction from the Ministry of Education. He urged the government, particularly President William Ruto, to intervene, emphasizing the plight of the over 500,000 workers facing job losses.

Njeru proposed redeploying the experienced non-teaching staff to Junior Secondary Schools, arguing that their familiarity with the system makes them suitable for the transition.

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The union also called on the government to engage with stakeholders and provide boards of management overseeing affected institutions with comprehensive guidance.

According to Njeru, many staff members, such as laboratory technicians, cleaners, and secretaries, possess valuable skills and experience that can be utilized effectively within the JSS framework, eliminating the need for redundancy.

Meanwhile, the government has reaffirmed its focus on exporting skilled labour to international markets such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki recently informed the Qatari ambassador that Kenya has over five million skilled workers who are struggling to find jobs locally.

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Labour exportation is seen as a strategy to enhance the workforce’s skills while increasing revenue through remittances. However, critics argue that this approach underscores the urgent need for sustainable job creation and better economic opportunities within Kenya.

While the government views labour exportation as a solution to unemployment, concerns persist over the long-term viability of such measures in addressing domestic employment challenges.

Over 500,000 Secondary School Workers to Lose Jobs as JSS Framework Rolls Out.

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