Primary school teachers have celebrated their big win in the directive to retain Grade 6 learners in primary school.
Kenya National Union of Teachers now says the research which they presented to the task force formed the basis of the directive.
Knut SG Collins Oyuu said the union made a satisfactory presentation to the review team.
"Our research findings were based on teacher preparedness, summative evaluation and domiciling of JSS," Oyuu said in a statement.
In its proposals, Knut made a strong case in favour of placing JSS in primary schools, saying secondary schools are congested and not ideal for younger learners.
"The learners transiting to junior secondary are still young and requiring guidance from their teachers and parents," said Knut secretary general Collins Oyuu.
Knut said the JSS learners are also likely to skip or reschedule some cultural practices if they are taken to secondary school.
“This category of learners is between 11 and 13 years and should be protected from older secondary [school] learners,” he said.
“It’s not logical to have it [JSS] in secondary school. The classrooms that were meant to hold Grades 7, 8 and 9 are already occupied because of congestion. There’s total congestion even in day schools."
Under the CBC framework, JSS comprises Grades 7, 8 and 9, after which learners proceed to senior secondary (Grades 10, 11 and 12).
Initially, there were silent inter-union wars amid reports that the differences were fuelled by the fight for billions in capitation money.
Placement of JSS in secondary schools would give secondary school principals control over billions of shillings that come with a high enrolment of learners.
