Private schools unhappy with teachers' strike

Classes have been deserted and the few pupils who turn up are forced to learn on the own as teachers strike in public schools continues. (PHOTO: FILE/STANDARD))

Kenya: Private schools now want the Government to extend study time for candidates in public schools to recover time lost during teachers’ nationwide strike.

The private institutions have also asked the Government to provide security in all institutions where teaching and learning is going on.

“The government should provide adequate security to schools that remain open to children during this period of  the teachers' strike,” said Kenya Private Schools Association (KPSA) chairperson Ernest Wangai.

In a statement, Wangai said private schools are not happy with the ongoing industrial dispute and noted that it may also affect learning in their institutions.

“The teachers unions and their membership should respect the interest of learners in public and private institutions who continue to learn and should not in any way whatsoever interfere or intimidate teachers who opt to support children quest for Education,” said Wangai.

Private schools said that candidates in public schools must be allowed to prepare for the forthcoming examinations.

“…all candidates be sufficiently facilitated to prepare adequately for examinations despite the ongoing teachers strike, if need be compensation for time lost should be considered,” said Wangai.

Likely schools closure

The plea by private institutions comes as Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi gave a strong indication that should strike action persist, schools may be closed down.

“Watch this space. The Ministry shall be making a statement on this in coming few days,” said Kaimenyi.

The Standard reported early in the week that Kaimenyi was under firm instruction to provide a roadmap on the management of schools in the wake of teachers strike.

A senior Government official told The Standard that Kaimenyi is set to close schools, only allowing candidates to stay.

Tuesday, Kaimenyi said: “the responsibility of closing schools in Kenya is vested in the Cabinet Secretary and not any other individual or unions…My Ministry will in the next few days give direction on this important matter.”

The CS also maintained that the examination timetable has not been changed.

“The national examinations calendar has not been reviewed by the Ministry. I wish to reiterate that the said examinations will continue as scheduled,” said Kaimenyi.

He said Kenya National Examination Council (Knec) has convened a meeting this Friday to discuss examinations.

Pressure has been mounting on the Government to postpone the examinations to allow more time for candidates to prepare.

Kaimenyi said security is being enhanced across schools. “The government wishes to assure parents and learners that measures have been put in place to secure the learners, staff and property of our education institutions,” said Kaimenyi.

The CS lauded the directive by the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government that any unprotected strike activities, which threaten security in our schools, will not be entertained.

Kaimenyi asked striking teachers to heed calls of their employer to resume work.

“The Ministry wishes to advise all teachers to take seriously the caution by TSC on the consequences of participating in unprotected strike, including loss of earnings and disciplinary action that could lead to termination of employment,” said Kaimenyi.