The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has decided to move six teachers from St. Martin Mafuta Secondary School in Uasin Gishu County.
This action was taken in response to a recent incident where angry parents forcefully ousted the school principal, holding the teachers responsible for the unsatisfactory performance in the national examinations last year.
This development raises concerns that other schools experiencing similar attacks might also face consequences. It comes shortly after TSC reassigned 17 teachers from St. Gabriel Isonga Secondary School in Kakamega County, following an assault by parents on the teaching staff.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has denounced these incidents, emphasizing that any measures taken should not impede the basic right to education for students in affected schools.
At St. Martin Mafuta, the top-performing student scored a D+, followed by a D-, while the remaining candidates received an E.
“Spending money for 4 years for a child to come out with a D, how would you feel, even if it were your own child?” remarked parents at the time.
During the upheaval, both David Wafula, the principal, and the director of studies were physically assaulted and driven away by residents protesting what they perceived as poor results in the previous year’s KCSE exams.
Speaking in Nairobi on Friday, CS Machogu condemned these incidents, asserting that the issue of results is not solely the responsibility of teachers but involves the entire community. He directed education officials to expedite investigations and provide a report on the incidents.
“Regardless of your social standing, if you misbehave to that extent, this country has structures, and legal action should be taken against you,” he stated.
Meanwhile, CS Machogu emphasized that any actions taken should not compromise the fundamental right to education for other students in the affected schools.
“While the intrusion into schools and attacks on teachers are regrettable and unacceptable, we must adopt carefully consultative means to ensure that we do not deprive children of their right to education,” Machogu noted.
This sentiment was echoed by Khwisero Member of Parliament Christopher Aseka, who urged TSC to reconsider its stance, recognizing the financial challenges parents may face in hiring teachers independently.
“At this point, parents and students may begin listing BOM teachers, meaning the fees will increase. But as a representative, I advise TSC to reconsider your position. Even if those who went to look for replacements in Isongo, find other teachers,” Aseka emphasized.
Currently, the affected schools are grappling with a shortage of teachers, as TSC appears determined to safeguard the safety of educators in schools.
