Teachers now want Interior CS Prof Kindiki to enhance their security in schools

Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association National Vice Chairman, Johnson Nzioka, addresses the press on August 10, 2023, at KICD in Nairobi. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Teachers have now roped in Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to enhance their security in schools.

Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA) national chairman Johnson Nzioka, said teachers are no longer safe in institutions of learning.

Nzioka condemned the recent spate of invasion on teachers over poor grades, saying this will demoralise tutors.

‘‘The Ministry of Interior and Coordination of the National Government should promptly act to apprehend the culprits and resolve the matter in a manner that ensures the well-being of teachers and school administrators, putting an end to this unfortunate trend,’’ Nzioka said.

He was reacting to an incident where David Wafula, the principal of St. Gabriel Isongo Secondary School, Kakamega County was subjected to harassment and forcibly marched out of the school premises by members of the community.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu on Wednesday cautioned politicians from interfering with the administration of learning institutions warning of dire consequences.

‘‘It is embarrassing to see a politician who is supposed to provide leadership, disrupting the education disbursement. We are asking security to step in because that is a criminal offence. We cannot allow this kind of behaviour to take root in our society,’’ Machogu said.

On Thursday, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) transferred all the 17 teachers from the school and posted them to the nearest schools.

In a statement, Nzioka said, it’s the responsibility of the Ministry of Education and the TSC to guarantee the safety of all teachers in their working stations.

"We urge the Ministry of Education and the Teachers' Service Commission to take the necessary measures to safeguard the credibility of the teaching force,’’ Nzioka said.

He exonerated teachers from blame over the poor performance in their schools, saying it is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders to post good results.

"KEPSHA recognizes the significance of holding teachers accountable for academic outcomes, but we firmly denounce any form of harassment or intimidation against school administrators and staff.

Education is a collaborative effort involving teachers, parents, and communities, and such incidents undermine the very foundation of this collaboration," Nzioka stated.

He further urged the government and all stakeholders to foster a good working environment for teachers in order to deliver their mandate.

‘‘It is crucial to acknowledge that addressing challenges in our education system requires collective responsibility. Pointing fingers and resorting to acts of aggression only serves to further divide and hinder progress,’’ Nzioka said.

He urged parents and surrounding communities to actively engage in constructive dialogue with teachers to identify challenges and collaboratively develop solutions.

‘‘Let us work together to create an environment where our schools thrive, ensuring a brighter future for our children,’’ he said.