JSS learners deserve own leagues, Bomet teacher says
By Emmanuel Rono, July 18, 2025Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) risk losing a generation of untapped talent unless they are granted full independence in sports management, a teacher from Bomet County has warned and called for urgent reforms to free the learners from the shadow of primary school competition.
Speaking to People Sports, Aron Rono, a teacher and aspirant for the position of Vice-Chairperson in the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Bomet branch, is spearheading the push, arguing that JSS must be given room to grow and compete independently, just like other established levels of learning.
“JSS learners have unique needs, energy, and talents that should be nurtured within a structure designed specifically for them,” Rono said.
He added, “Tying them to primary schools in sports has robbed them of opportunities to shine.”
Under the current framework, JSS remains administratively and competitively under the primary school bracket, meaning sports competitions are often jointly organised, with limited slots and attention given to JSS teams.
According to Rono, this not only limits exposure but also kills morale among students and teachers tasked with managing JSS programmes.
“We cannot expect JSS to grow when its learners are still competing as part of primary schools. We need tailored competitions, budgets, and structures. Autonomy in sports is not just necessary; it’s overdue.”
He when on to emphasise that sports are a powerful tool for talent development, discipline as well as national cohesion, and called on the Ministry of Education and relevant stakeholders to create distinct JSS sports leagues and events at zonal, sub-county, and county levels.
He also challenged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and KUPPET to champion the rights of JSS teachers in shaping their own sports calendars, coaching programmes, and budgeting decisions.
“Teachers managing JSS are already overwhelmed by expectations without the autonomy to make decisions. Give them space to plan and run sports events independently. This will uplift morale, improve participation, and unlock hidden potential in our learners.”
The debate on JSS autonomy continues to gather steam across the country, with many education stakeholders now calling for a clear policy framework that separates Junior Secondary from primary school systems in matters of administration, sports and resources.