Why KUPPET is Opposing Raila's Proposal to Devolve Education

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has firmly rejected ODM leader Raila Odinga's proposal to transfer the management of primary and secondary education from the national government to county governments.

Speaking during a media address on Wednesday, August 20, KUPPET Secretary General stated that the teaching profession has consistently fought against education devolution for over five decades.

He noted that while they welcome Raila Odinga's call for a national conversation on early education challenges, the devolution of these critical sectors is not an option for them. 

"For more than 50 years since Kenya's independence with the devolved government in the 1960s, the teaching profession has fought for education to be retained at the national level," the Secretary General stated. "It should be recalled that in 2005, teachers roundly rejected the then-proposed new constitution, which recommended the devolution of education to regional governments.”

While acknowledging support for devolution principles, KUPPET pointed to county governments' struggling performance in managing devolved functions as a key reason for their opposition.

The union specifically criticized the deteriorating state of Early Childhood Development (ECD) under county management.

"Early childhood development and education, that is ECD, is dying slowly under counties. ECD teachers are the most poorly paid cadre in the county sector, earning less than subordinate staff in most counties. ECD schools lack the necessary infrastructure across the board."

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has also strongly opposed the proposal.

Secretary General Collins Oyuu sternly warned about a potential teachers’ strike if the proposal were to advance.

"You cannot devolve education in this country. We shall be outside there in unity and solidarity because these two teams are very strong, for example, look at the state of ECDs. The quality of education in the ECD lacks what we call quality assurance," Oyuu declared.

Raila Odinga, speaking during the 13th National Devolution Conference held in Homa Bay County, argued that Nairobi's current system of managing schools is inefficient and called for the transfer of primary and secondary education management to county governments.

Raila contended that such a move would reduce the burden on national government executives and improve education oversight.

He questioned the logic of having the Cabinet Secretary for Education travel to distant counties like Marsabit or Garissa for school inspections, arguing that such responsibilities should fall under the governors' scope.