Ban on Preps Cause Controversy
The Kenyan Education Ministry is currently facing opposition over its push to enforce a ban on classes outside of the normal teaching hours.
The teachers claim they will comply with the directive, but they point to the challenges that force them to give extra lessons, such as understaffing in schools.
Understaffing has been cited as the primary reason for the need for extra lessons.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Deputy Secretary-General Hesbon Otieno stated that the morning and evening classes are arranged due to the workload and understaffing, which causes teachers to feel the need for additional hours to effectively handle all subjects.
The Kenya Primary School Head Teachers Association Chairman Johnson Nzioka also highlighted the concerns of parents who prefer their children to stay in class instead of leaving early to “loiter in the streets.”
Nzioka stated that keeping the children secure in school is the best solution as they benefit and learn while they are there.
Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, who issued the directive, has expressed his concerns over teachers overburdening students, leaving them with little or no time to rest.
Machogu warned schools against making students report before dawn or leave after dusk.
He stated that classes should start at 8:00 am and end exactly at 3:45 pm. He also warned that the government will take action against schools that ferry students home as late as 10 pm.
The Kenya National Parents Association (NPA) Chairperson Silas Obuhatsa blamed parents for dropping their pupils too early, recommending that they transfer them to nearby schools if necessary.
Obuhatsa stated that this is irresponsibility on the part of the parents and that they are exposing their children to harm. He urged parents to obey the orders of the ministry.
In conclusion, the push for a ban on classes outside normal hours has sparked controversy in Kenya.
Teachers are pointing to understaffing as the main reason for extra lessons and the need for morning and evening classes.
The Cabinet Secretary has warned schools against making students report too early or leave too late, stating that classes should start at 8:00 am and end at 3:45 pm.
The Kenya National Parents Association has urged parents to obey the orders of the ministry and to transfer their children to nearby schools if necessary.
Ban on Preps Cause Controversy
