Governors seek powers to hire teachers in counties

Kenya: Governors have asked the national government to invoke the constitutional provision on transfer of functions and powers between levels of government to surrender the education role to county governments facing security crisis.

The Council of Governors (CoG) implored the national government to invoke Article 187 of the Constitution that will strictly apply to the counties facing the security challenge and shall be enforced until normalcy returns in the areas.

They have appealed to State to consider the proposal with the urgency it deserves, to enable students get adequate preparation for national examinations, which will be uniformly administered across the country.

CoG Chairman Isaac Ruto yesterday expressed discontent that learning in three North Eastern counties: Mandera, Wajir and Garissa is yet to resume six weeks after the commencement of first term. "As a council, we attach great value to human life but also remain cognisant of the fact that the children affected in these public schools have a right to education. The effect is devastating and far-reaching. Parents are afraid to take their children to school, teachers are afraid to teach and schools are shut down, yet these are areas with limited access to education," said Ruto.

The governor emphasised it is the council's conviction that this function would indeed be performed more effectively since the county governments provide a framework for closer supervision.

However, Ruto stated that the national government shall continue to hold constitutional responsibility for performance of the function.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  MPs want governors to be stripped of health duties
• 
  King Mumia II opposes Echesa's appointment
• 
  KUPPET wants intern teachers employed on permanent terms
• 
  JSS crisis: Blow to TSC as intern teacher posts declared illegal

He warned if the situation persists, the children from these areas will be unduly disadvantaged because of the extenuating circumstances beyond their control.

He said if counties are allowed to recruit teachers, education will not be affected. He explained that county governments can recruit teachers, either trained or untrained, while the others are transferred to other parts of the country. The council reiterated its commitment to ensure service delivery is not compromised during the transition period.