Teachers say no to new schools, contraceptives

Jotham Ndunde (centre) of Moi Girls Eldoret celebrates after he was named teacher of the year at Kessha 39th annual conference in Mombasa. [PHOTO: OMONDI ONYANGO/ STANDARD]

Secondary school head teachers have asked the Government to halt further establishment and registration of new schools.

They instead called for expansion of existing schools and provision of security. The principals also urged stakeholders in the education sector to reject the proposed introduction of contraceptives to students.

These are the three key resolutions adopted yesterday at the close of a week-long annual delegate’s conference at Wild Waters Centre, Mombasa, that brought together some 7,000 secondary school heads.

The teachers said the rising insecurity has affected learning and asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to ensure all children benefit from the free education programme.

“It is unfortunate that learning is not going on in some sections of the country yet the students will sit the same examinations with the others currently in school," said Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (Kessha) national chairman John Awiti.

“The Government should strengthen security in the country to allow teaching and learning programmes to continue uninterrupted,” reads the resolution in part.

The principals also resolved to work with the two teachers' unions to enhance their bargaining power. On contraceptives, the teachers said it is premature to engage young minds on sexual matters at this time of their lives.

Avoid wastage

Mr Awiti said teachers will unite in rejecting the law if passed. “We will not provide time for usage of those condoms if someone succeeds in sneaking this bad law,” he said.

He pointed out employment of new teachers, improvement of infrastructure and procurement of sanitary towels for girls as the priority areas that require urgent assistance.
“If someone wants to help the sector then let them support in these critical areas. The Government should also employ more teachers to cater for shortfall in schools,” said Awiti.

Teachers pledged to ensure prudent management of financial resources in schools. “We have resolved that schools should strictly adhere to prudent financial management practices to avoid wastage,” reads the resolution.

The principals also asked the Government to promptly release free education money for this term before the closing date due next month. “Principals appreciate the increase of Free Secondary Education capitation per child. However, the funds should be released to schools in good time,” they said.

Education Principal Secretary Bellio Kipsang said the money will be released next week. He confirmed that only half of the money needed for this term was released.

“Only 15 per cent of the cash was released. We hope to release the balance in a short while,” he told the teachers meeting Tuesday.

The school managers also asked their employer to partner with Kessha in development and implementation of training programmes for teachers. They also want Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to strengthen its Quality Assurance and Standards structures and programmes.

Commission Secretary Gabriel Lengoiboni said teachers who do not undertake proficiency courses will be struck off the teaching list. Teachers also called for appointment of TSC commissioners inline with the Constitution.