Yatta MP Questions the Criteria Used to Select Grade 7 Principals

Yatta member of parliament Robert Basil has asked the Ministry of Education to explain the criteria they used for appointing Junior Secondary School principals.

This came after the education review team’s instruction that Junior Secondary Schools be domiciled in primary schools.

“Could the Cabinet Secretary explain the criteria applicable for the deployment of principals in Junior Secondary Schools?” Basil asked.

The Yatta MP also asked about the status of teachers who have been serving in acting positions.

“When will the teachers who have served as principals or deputies in acting capacities beyond the statutory six months be substantively appointed in those positions?” Basil posed.

Moreover, the current head teachers will continue acting as principals for the junior secondary schools as per the guidelines published by the ministry of education.

“The comprehensive school shall be managed by a common BoM (for public schools); BoM, board of directors or board of trustees, in the case of private schools,” part of the guidelines read.

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According to the education ministry, the management of JSS is under the leadership of current primary school heads for a transition period of one year.

Likewise, the working boards of management of primary schools will include special sub-committees that will head the operationalization of JSS.

As such the Special Sub-Committees are expected to then open JSS bank accounts for tuition capitation, operational capital funds and infrastructure grants after an introduction letter from the sub-county director of education.

Furthermore, schools containing both primary and junior secondary shall adopt the name of the primary school in which they are domiciled.

The ministry noted that a different name will be adopted only in special circumstances.

In ensuring prudent management of school resources, the ministry of education says the schools shall have two separate bank accounts for JSS and primary school sections.

“For the bank accounts, the Primary School and Junior Secondary Schools shall have separate bank accounts,” the ministry noted.

As for the uniforms, the ministry says the JSS leadership in consultation with their respective stakeholders will decide.