Knut warns against threats to teachers

Uasin Gishu, Kenya: The Kenya National Union Of Teachers (Knut) has warned politicians and parents against demanding the resignation of headteachers whenever their schools perform poorly in the national examinations.

Knut National Assistant Secretary General Hesbon Otieno says challenges facing schools should first be assessed before school heads can be blamed for poor results.

“Many head teachers have been relieved of their duties due to such pressure, leaving the students vulnerable due to the misconceptions,” said Mr Otieno.

He said school performance entails many things and as a union, they will not sit back and watch as parents and political leaders eject teachers from schools merely because of the institution’s performance.

“Some schools have shortage of staff and some teachers are forced to use personal resources to keep the schools running,” said Otieno.

He added that school principals are also living in fear because at times, they are accused of misappropriating school funds despite their efforts in ensuring schools are operational.