TSC warns against disruption of the ongoing CBC training

Teachers Service Commission CEO Nancy Macharia (Center) taking a selfie with a section of teacher taking part at the on going Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) training at Heshima Primary school in Nakuru on April 24,2019 .Macharia who visited the training centers in Nakuru warned teachers against disrupting the ongoing training saying a stern action will be taken against them.Photo:Kipsang Joseph/Standard

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has warned a teachers’ union against disrupting training on the new curriculum.

TSC Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia said stern action would be taken against members of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) who interfered with Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) training sessions.

“The commission will not allow any teachers or union officials to raid training centres and disrupt ongoing training,” said Dr Macharia.

The CEO issued the warning yesterday at Heshima Primary School in Nakuru during an inspection tour of the training, which was rolled out by the Education ministry Tuesday.

Macharia’s sentiments came even as Kibwezi Knut officials appeared in court for allegedly disrupting the exercise in various stations in Makueni. Gabriel Kisilu, Miriam Mwania and Henry Kivuva appeared before Makindu Resident Magistrate Damaris Karani, and denied committing the offence. They were each released on Sh20,000 cash bail.

In Kakamega, five officials were accused of inciting teachers not to undertake the CBC training programme.

Tom Ingolo, Patrick Chungani, Nelly Maliatso, Kennedy Ayondi and Jackline Mulinya were arrested on April 23 at Shikoti and Kakemega primary schools, and Sigalagala Polytechnic.

They appeared before Kakamega Chief Magistrate Bildad Ochieng’ yesterday and were released on Sh100,000 cash bail for each offence. Their cases were slated for hearing on July 29 and 30.

Macharia said the TSC was working with the Government to take action against Knut officials who disrupted training in Bungoma on Tuesday.

“We shall deal with teachers who were involved in the disruption according to the law while Ministry of Interior will deal with the criminal aspects. We shall not allow a few people to affect the smooth teaching exercise,” she said.

But Knut Marakwet branch Executive Secretary John Cheberi accused the TSC and the Ministry of Education of “forcing” teachers to attend the CBC training.

Elsewhere, there was tension and confusion after training was disrupted in parts of Homa Bay. Knut Rachuonyo branch Executive Secretary Eliud Ombori told The Standard he could not let the training continue.

“The training is unhealthy and teachers are also being trained in a poor environment where they sit behind desks like pupils,” Mr Ombori said.

In Migori, the training went on smoothly despite protests by Knut officials. “Teachers are not adequately prepared for the new curriculum. A four-day training is not enough to enable them get adequate skills,” said Migori branch secretary general Caleb Opondi.

In Busia, the training went on smoothly yesterday unlike on Tuesday when it ended in disarray. Branch executive secretary Patrick Mulamba was arrested for disrupting the exercise but later released. In Bungoma, the exercise started well after teachers were chased away from training halls on Tuesday.