The Ministry of Education has announced a major policy shift that will see Primary Schools and Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) managed as one comprehensive institution under a single Board of Management (BoM).Starting from the next financial year, capitation funds for both primary and junior schools will be merged, signaling a new phase in the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
What the new Directive Means
Under the new arrangement:Primary and Junior Secondary Schools will operate as one comprehensive school.A single Board of Management (BoM) will oversee both sections.Capitation funds for the two levels will be jointly managed.Primary school headteachers will remain the overall heads of the institutions.The move is expected to streamline administration, improve coordination, and reduce management conflicts that have emerged since the introduction of Junior Secondary Schools in primary institutions.
Why the Government Is Making the Change
Since the rollout of JSS, many schools have faced challenges including:
Separate management structures
Delayed funding
Leadership disputes between headteachers and JSS administrators
Resource allocation
Disagreements in Infrastructure pressure in hosting JSS learnersBy merging the institutions into one comprehensive school system, the Ministry hopes to create smoother operations and ensure efficient use of resources.
Impact on Headteachers and Teachers
The directive strengthens the authority of primary school headteachers, who will now officially supervise the entire comprehensive institution.For teachers, the policy may lead to:Better coordination between primary and JSS staffEasier planning and budgeting
Unified school leadership
Possible changes in reporting structures
However, education stakeholders are likely to seek clarity on:Staffing structuresFinancial accountabilityRole of deputy principals in JSSTeacher promotions and deployment
Financial Implications
The merging of capitation means schools will receive funding as one institution instead of separate allocations for primary and JSS sections.Education experts believe this could:Reduce duplication of expenditureImprove accountabilitySpeed up procurement and resource distributionHowever, concerns remain over whether the combined funding will be sufficient to cater for the growing JSS population.
Reactions From Stakeholders
The announcement has already sparked mixed reactions among teachers and education stakeholders.Some school heads have welcomed the move, saying it will eliminate confusion in management and restore order in schools hosting JSS learners.Others argue that the government must first address:
Teacher shortagesClassroom congestion
Delayed capitation disbursement
Learning material shortages
The Future of Comprehensive Schools in Kenya
The policy marks another significant step in Kenya’s transition to the CBC system. The concept of comprehensive schools is designed to create a seamless learning experience from lower primary through junior secondary within one institution.As implementation begins next financial year, schools across the country are expected to receive further guidelines from the Ministry of Education on governance, finances, and operational structures.The education sector will now be watching closely to see how the new system affects school management, funding efficiency, and the quality of learning in both primary and junior secondary levels.