The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has told serving school heads they will retain their leadership positions under the comprehensive school structure, which brings Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), primary and Junior School under one administration.
TSC Chairperson Jamleck Muturi gave the assurance at the Kenya Comprehensive School Heads Association (KECSHA) annual national conference in Mombasa.
What Muturi said
- Existing heads will be retained as the government moves to consolidate ECDE, primary and Junior School sections under one administrative arrangement.
- The reforms will not create separate leadership positions for Junior Schools.
- Serving primary school headteachers will not be replaced automatically.
How the structure works
Under the model, the different levels of basic education operate as one institution. A single head oversees operations, and deputies support the management of the various sections.
TSC has earlier proposed a structure of one principal assisted by two deputies, one for the primary section and one for the Junior School section. It has also proposed that headteachers be redesignated as principals from July 2027 under its Career Progression Guidelines. TSC has not yet published a full implementation schedule for that change.
Where the unions stand
Teachers’ unions differ on whether Junior Schools should have independent principals and separate administrative structures:
| Union | Position |
|---|---|
| KNUT | Backs a unified management system. It argues that comprehensive schools should operate under one head to avoid duplicated responsibilities and extra expenditure. |
| KUPPET | Wants greater autonomy for Junior Schools, citing differences in teacher training, curriculum demands and institutional management. |
KECSHA has asked for one Board of Management, one head of institution and two deputies per comprehensive school, one for the primary section and one for Junior School.
Why the question matters
Serving headteachers have asked for clarity on their positions as the country moves to the new education system. The comprehensive school model is part of the wider Competency-Based Education (CBE) reforms, which integrate learning from early childhood through primary and junior levels.
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What heads should note
Muturi’s assurance covers serving heads. It says the model will not add separate Junior School leadership posts, and it does not set a date for any change of title. School heads should follow TSC’s official website and verified channels for circulars on the structure.