×
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
  • Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
  • The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
  • P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
  • Email: [email protected]

Okonkwo goes on charm offensive after his austerity measures pit teachers against him

Counties

The Meta Meta community is feeling the effects of Okonkwo’s austerity measures. Jezebel has been literally milking the situation and as a result, break time tea has become a major casualty of the belt tightening campaign.

It has such few drops of milk that one can see right through it to the bottom of the cup. Margarita whose love for tea is universally known has again sought refuge in her home made brew which she carries in a pink thermos flask.

Jezebel, in her wicked wisdom, has ensured that the tea she serves Okonkwo is so ‘thick’ that he doesn’t suspect what is happening in the staffroom.

Indeed, the senior principal, even during this belt tightening regime, is spoilt for choice as there is a variety of beverages in his office. His lunch and that of Depa also receive the best of Jezebel’s culinary skills. Like many other principals, Okonkwo has little time for the staffroom tea or lunch.

 Break-time brief

Schola, that robust soul, who keeps the Meta Meta rumour mill well-oiled swears that Jezebel and her fellow conspirators in the kitchen are minting money from the milk meant for our tea. She even knows the kiosk, at the local shopping centre, where the milk ends up.

And teachers have gone on a ‘mgomo baridi’. During Wednesday’s break- time brief, only Donatta and Annette, the new Home Science teacher, turned up. This forced Okonkwo to personally send text messages asking all teachers to avail themselves for a staff briefing at lunch time.

To his annoyance, only four teachers in addition to Depa and the dean turned up. Margarita, who is fasting and praying for the candidates, was among them. Thunder has been saying un-Christian things about her selective fasting that does not include the tea she has been bringing along.

 Uncomfortable silence

Immediately after Thursday morning devotion, the principal called us into the staffroom for a briefing. “Give the students some work,” he instructed. “Yesterday, I personally sent messages calling for a staff briefing and only a few of you turned up. Are you aware that defiance can lead to interdiction?” he asked.

After an uncomfortable silence, during which we could hear Jezebel’s laughter ringing in the kitchen, Vasco Da Gama cleared his throat.

“Mwalimu no one has defied you, as you can see, we are all here. Yesterday, some of us had stepped out for lunch.

“As I believe you are quite aware, lunch hour is sacred to any worker across the world as per ILO conventions. Kenya has ratified and domesticated these conventions. We were just exercising that inalienable right,” declared the History and Government teacher.

Okonkwo was lost for words and Depa rushed to his aid. “But the school provides both break time tea and lunch?” he posed.

“Bwana deputy, Jezebel serves you and the principal tea and lunch, which is quite in order since you are the CEO’s here. The rest of us are served food that even pigs would frown at.

 Speaking their mind

“In fact, the school time table needs to be adjusted to allow enough time for the lunch break. Forty minutes are not enough,” claimed Aeneas.

Unlike some of us who suffer quietly in the hope that Okonkwo will write a good letter to the TSC secretary recommending a promotion, both Aeneas and Vasco Da Gama never shy away from speaking their mind.

On realising there were serious issues, Okonkwo pleaded for time to get to the bottom of the matter. “Colleagues, let us meet tomorrow at lunch time. I will ensure a good lunch is served,” he said as he rose.

“Chicken,” Donatta whispered rather too excitedly. We are so eager to hear what Okonkwo has for us, especially now that he seems to have panicked after realising the teaching staff is against him.

 

Related Topics


.

Popular this week

.

Latest Articles