Ministry, TSC to punish rogue school heads Nzomo, Kaimenyo agree

Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi (left) and Teachers Service Commission Chairperson Lydia Nzomo address the media in Nairobi, Monday. [PHOTO: MOSES OMUSULA/STANDARD]

NAIROBI: Head teachers accused of indiscipline will now have their cases handled by the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission.

The decision was reached Monday after a closed-door meeting by officials from the two bodies, days after teachers’ unions called on Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi to withdraw the Basic Education Regulations that allegedly give him sole powers to deal with the heads.

Speaking during a press briefing after the meeting, the two agencies said they would ensure every head teacher adheres to the new gazette regulations.

Mr Kaimenyi said the ministry was aware of institutions that had continuously defied old and new guidelines, saying action would be taken against them.

IGNORED DIRECTIVES

“We know many directives have been ignored by school principals and boards. We have joined forces to ensure no one undermines any passed guidelines,” he said.

The Education boss said disciplinary action will be taken by TSC after investigations have proved that parties involved are indeed guilty.

He dismissed critics insisting the regulations were done without consultations, saying due process was followed.

“After drafting the regulations, various stakeholders including TSC, parents’ union, parliamentary committee and teachers unions were consulted. We have records of those claiming they were not consulted having attended the meetings,” he said.

The CS said concerned parties had the chance to present their complaints after the regulations were recommended but they failed to do so.

“Once the regulations have been gazetted, there is nothing that can be done to change anything,” he said.

TSC Chief Executive Lydia Nzomo said they were still mandated to hire and fire head of schools as per the Constitution.

“The Constitution is clear that the work of hiring head teachers lies with TSC. If the minister has interest to take over that role we are not aware,” she said.

Ms Nzomo said the regulations had been approved by the commission as perfect, apart from a few issues.

“We have looked at the regulations and we can say they are 99 per cent good. The issues we have with them are minor and we are in talks to clear the issue,” she said.

Nzomo dismissed calls for a strike by Kenya National Union of Teachers and Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education, saying due process was followed.