Jacob Kaimenyi defends Government stand on NE teachers, ban on schools ranking

Education CS Jacob Kaimenyi has defended government over claims that it is insensitive to the plight of teachers in North Eastern region. (Photo:File/Standard)

Nairobi, Kenya: Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi has restated that the ban on ranking of schools and students was meant to curb the unhealthy competition that had permeated the education system.

He said schools kept students in the classrooms from Monday to Monday saying this education was about bringing out the best in every child, in every domain.

“Life is not about passing examinations alone,” Kaimenyi said.

He was speaking when he launched the Institute for Capacity Development of Teachers in Africa (ICADETA) and the celebration of Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) at CEMASTEA headquarters in Karen Nairobi Monday.

Kaimenyi discounted arguments that ranking of schools and students was a global practice, saying it created unscrupulous practices in the management and delivery of the curriculum.

At the same time, Kaimenyi said the government was not insensitive to the plight of teachers in North Eastern region by declining to accept their requests for transfer following lapses in security in the region.

He said acceding to the request would amount to treating teachers differently from civil servants s like doctors who hailed from other parts but were working in the region.

He said the government was addressing the security issues in the region and would be guaranteed safety on their resumption of duties.

Ambassador of Japan to Kenya Tatsushi Terada hailed the Kenya Government commitment to strengthening   the teaching of mathematics and science, saying it would lay a firm foundation for the science and innovation in the country.

In attendance included the Chairperson of for Board of Management of CAMASTEA, Dr. Wanjiru Kariuki and the centers Director Stephen Njoroge, among others.