Wamuzi News Ke
A major standoff has erupted in Kenya’s education sector after school heads and teachers’ unions rejected a newly proposed leadership structure by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
The development has triggered widespread anxiety across public institutions, with stakeholders warning that the changes could destabilise the country’s already strained school management system.
Under the new structure, comprehensive schools would be led by a single principal assisted by two deputies—one overseeing the primary section and another heading the junior secondary department. While the TSC argues the model will streamline management and enhance coordination, school leaders insist it introduces unnecessary layers of authority and weakens the clarity of roles.
Union officials and headteachers accuse the commission of imposing reforms without proper consultation. They argue that the proposed system risks sidelining principals, complicating accountability, and creating confusion in schools where staffing and administrative resources are already overstretched.
Some leaders have also warned that the new structure may interfere with existing career progression pathways, leaving school heads vulnerable to stagnation and diminished authority.
Concerns have also emerged about the practicality of implementing the system. Critics point out that the restructuring could require changes to existing laws and employment guidelines, raising fears that schools may be forced into a disruptive transition without legal safeguards or adequate preparation.
The growing tension has led unions to demand the withdrawal of the proposal until a broader consultative process is undertaken. They insist that any shift in school governance must prioritise stability, autonomy, and fair career advancement for educators.
With both sides digging in, the dispute is expected to intensify as schools prepare to navigate a potentially uncertain period. Education experts warn that continued friction between TSC and school leaders could affect decision-making, resource allocation, and the overall learning environment.
For now, the sector remains on edge as stakeholders await the next move from the TSC and possible intervention from national education authorities. The coming days will determine whether the proposed leadership structure proceeds, is amended, or is abandoned entirely.
