School heads want the government to establish a new career progression structure that recognises their expanded responsibilities under the comprehensive school system, as well as fast-track legislation to clarify how the institutions will be governed and financed.
The Kenya Comprehensive School Heads Association (KECSHA) is asking the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to review and harmonise promotion structures for heads of institutions to reflect their increased leadership and administrative responsibilities.
The association also wants clearly defined career progression pathways for classroom teachers and school administrators, distinct from those for heads of institutions.
In resolutions adopted at its four-day national annual general meeting and conference in Mombasa, the school heads said the current career structures should be reviewed to reflect the changing responsibilities of institutional leaders under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
“Review and harmonise career progression and promotion structures for Heads of Institutions to recognise their expanded leadership and administrative responsibilities within the Comprehensive School framework,” the association said.
KECSHA further urged the TSC to strengthen teacher professional development and retooling in the competencies required for CBE implementation, foundational learning, digital learning, inclusive education and emerging learning areas.
The association also wants the commission to enhance teacher mentorship, coaching and professional collaboration, while strengthening welfare programmes, including mental health support and interventions to improve motivation.
The demands come as the government implements reforms that have changed the structure and management of basic education institutions.
The school heads are also seeking a legal framework to govern comprehensive schools, with clear provisions on their management, administrative structures and the responsibilities of institutional leaders.
KECSHA wants the Ministry of Education to fast-track the development and implementation of legislative and policy frameworks governing the institutions.
“Fast-track the development and implementation of the legislative and policy frameworks governing Comprehensive Schools, with clear provisions on governance, administrative structures, roles and responsibilities,” the resolutions stated.
President William Ruto, who addressed the conference on Thursday, backed the call for a legal framework, directing the Ministry of Education to work with KECSHA and submit proposals to amend the Basic Education Act within 90 days.
President William Ruto, Mombasa Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir (second left) and National Chairman, Kenya Comprehensive Schools Heads Association (KECSHA) Fuad Abdalla Ali (left) join Tarab dancers in a dance after the Head of State addressed the Kenya Comprehensive Schools Heads Association Annual General Meeting and Conference at Sheikh Zayed Children Welfare Centre in Nyali, Mombasa on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
Photo credit: PCS
“I have heard your request that the comprehensive school be clearly anchored in law. I agree,” he said.
Dr Ruto said the proposed amendments should provide a firm legal foundation for the governance, staffing and financing of comprehensive schools.
He said the reforms had expanded the responsibilities of school heads, requiring a governance structure that responds to the needs of institutions managing learners from pre-primary to Grade Nine.
The association also wants the Ministry to guarantee adequate, predictable and timely disbursement of capitation to enable schools to meet their operational, instructional and infrastructure needs.
It further called for increased investment in classrooms, science laboratories, sanitation facilities, ICT infrastructure, internet connectivity and other essential learning facilities, guided by assessed needs and priorities.
The demand comes as the government maintains that it has released more than Sh86 billion in capitation this year.
Dr Ruto said Sh44.2 billion was released in January, Sh23.4 billion in April and Sh18.5 billion in August, adding that from 2027, capitation would be released before schools reopen.
“A school head should spend the first week of term focused on teaching and learning, not chasing funds,” he said.
The President also linked education financing to the digitisation of learner records, saying a recent government audit had identified about 800,000 non-existent pupils in primary school registers and nearly 200 schools that existed only on paper.
He said the government was digitising learner records to ensure that public funds were allocated to genuine learners and institutions.
“Every shilling must follow a real learner,” he said.
On teacher promotions, Dr Ruto said that 50,000 teachers would be promoted in the current financial year, with the government setting aside Sh4 billion to facilitate the exercise.
He said the Salaries and Remuneration Commission had approved the new Career Progression Guidelines, which were agreed upon by the TSC and teachers' unions.
However, KECSHA's demand for a review of career structures for heads of institutions goes beyond the general promotion announcement, with the association seeking recognition of the additional responsibilities arising from the comprehensive school framework.
The President also cited the recruitment of 100,000 teachers over the past four years, with another 20,000 expected to join in December, as part of efforts to address staffing shortages.
KECSHA wants the TSC to sustain recruitment and ensure equitable deployment, taking into account staffing needs in comprehensive schools and emerging curriculum demands.
President William Ruto with the National Chairman, Kenya Comprehensive School Heads Association (KECSHA), Fuad Ali (centre) and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba (second right) during the closing ceremony for the 2026 KECSHA Annual Conference in Mombasa on November 12, 2026.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
The association further called for greater representation of women in school leadership and science, technology, engineering and mathematics teaching, as well as improved inclusion of teachers with disabilities and those from marginalised communities.
It also urged the commission to strengthen consultation with KECSHA and teacher unions on teacher management, professional development, career progression and the implementation of education reforms.
The conference, held at the Sheikh Zayed Children Welfare Centre in Mombasa from November 9 to 12, brought together heads of public primary and junior schools from the 47 counties.
Under the theme, “Reimagining the Comprehensive School of the Future – Strengthening Leadership, Systems, Skills and Values for Sustainable Quality Education,” the meeting also discussed foundational literacy and numeracy, learner protection, digital transformation, school meals and environmental sustainability.
The school heads called for stronger partnerships with parents, county governments, development partners and the private sector to support school improvement and learner welfare.
They also urged the Ministry to strengthen emergency preparedness in schools, protect public school land and ensure sustainable financing for school meals.
KECSHA said it would continue working with the government and other education stakeholders to strengthen the professional capacity of school leaders and improve the quality and equity of education.
