New JSS Structure: Ministry Endorses Comprehensive Schools Under Single Management

Comprehensive Schools to Unite Primary and JSS Levels

The Ministry of Education has endorsed a sweeping overhaul of Kenya’s basic education structure, integrating primary and Junior Secondary School (JSS) levels into a single framework known as the Comprehensive School. The resolutions were adopted during the National Conference on Education, held from May 7 to 9, 2026, at the Lake Naivasha Resort. Opened by President William Ruto, the summit convened key stakeholders to streamline the implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.

Under the proposed model, the divide between primary and junior secondary education will be eliminated to resolve ongoing challenges in resource sharing and staffing. The Ministry noted that this unified approach will strengthen learner transitions and eradicate administrative inefficiencies that have hampered the JSS rollout.

Unified Governance and Financial Management

The new Comprehensive Schools will operate under a consolidated administrative structure. Stakeholders agreed to streamline leadership to improve coordination across both education levels. “The Comprehensive School shall operate under the leadership of a qualified Head of Institution and a single Board of Management,” the official conference resolutions stated. This head will be assisted by two deputy headteachers, who will oversee the primary and JSS sections respectively.

To promote equity and efficient institutional management, the conference backed the harmonization of school fees and capitation structures. Financial planning will now follow a unified framework. Furthermore, a consolidated national bursary and scholarship system covering basic education, TVET, and universities will be digitized and managed through the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS).

Standardized Uniforms Across Schools

Addressing the financial burden on parents, the government proposed standardized school uniforms across all Comprehensive and Senior Schools. The Ministry will regulate and cap the cost of these uniforms. Individual schools will maintain their unique identities through specific institutional badges.

Teacher Employment and Deployment Reforms

Significant changes to teacher welfare and deployment were also ratified. Teachers currently serving as interns will be redesignated as teachers on contract. Following the successful completion of a two-year contract, they will be absorbed into Permanent and Pensionable (P&P) employment. For more resources on educator welfare and updates, professionals can visit teacher.co.ke.

The Ministry is also replacing the controversial delocalization policy with nationalization to ensure an equitable distribution of tutors across the country. Future teacher training will align with long-term national development priorities, securing a steady supply of qualified educators for JSS subjects.

Finally, the conference resolved that non-viable schools failing to attract Grade 10 learners will be converted into satellite or extension campuses to optimize infrastructure use.