Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi now warns of action against teachers absconding duties

By Patrick Muthuri

KENYA: Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi has warned teachers against absconding duty, and called on school heads to ensure all employees provide quality service.

Speaking at Meru University of Science and Technology during its first graduation ceremony, Kaimenyi noted that many teachers went to school but failed to attend to students.

“Our staff must be available to teach. I am saddened to hear that in some of our primary schools, a substantial number of teachers attend schools, but do not teach. Managers of our institutions must demand a pint of blood from the employees,” Kaimenyi said.

According to Annual Learning Assessment Report 2012 released recently by Uwezo Kenya, 10 per cent of teachers in primary schools are out of school during learning hours.

He further said that the Government, through the ministry of Education, is committed to encouraging growth of technical institutions in the country.

“Many have misgivings on elevation of middle-level colleges to university status. As a ministry, we are committed to science and technology because we believe the best way to transform this country is to flood technicians and technologists,” he remarked.

Meru University Chancellor Dr James Mwangi said the institution’s management would continue to allocate more resources for research towards attainment of Vision 2030.

“The university is an emerging leader in research, science, technology and innovation. We will continue to spearhead this to satisfy the growing demand for practical skills,” Dr Mwangi said. Over 1,300 graduands were conferred with degrees, certificates and diploma awards.