Teachers threaten to quit unions

Teachers based in Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit, Moyale and Isiolo counties have threatened to quit their unions following the latter's claims that non-local teachers were harassed and mistreated.

They have also threatened to form their own union to fight for the rights of teachers working in North Eastern region.

The teachers, who are members of Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), Kenya Primary School Heads Association and Kenya Secondary School Heads, said the non-local teachers have always received special treatment from both the schools they teach in and the general public.

Knut's Mandera County Treasurer Ibrahim Mohamed Farah challenged Knut Secretary General Wilson Sossion to visit Mandera to ascertain the situation "before making wild allegations".

"Most Government offices in Mandera, including security agencies and the Judiciary, are dominated by non-locals. Why didn't the teachers report the claimed harassment and mistreatment?" Farah posed.

He added that the teachers were safe to return to the regions because security had been beefed up.