TSC Defends Teacher Transfers From Schools Invaded by Parents, Says Teaching Profession Must be Respected.
The Teacher Service Commission (TSC) has staunchly defended its decision to transfer teachers from schools facing hostility from parents. The move comes in response to a disturbing trend of parents physically attacking teachers, which the TSC argues is undermining the educational system.
TSC Chairman Jamleck Muturi, addressing the issue, emphasized the commission’s unwavering commitment to protecting teachers who operate within the confines of the law. He stressed the importance of respecting the teaching profession and warned that those threatening teachers would face legal consequences.
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“There are parents dragging teachers out of school shame on them. It was a good thing teachers were transferred from Isongo. It is demeaning for a headteacher to be frogmarched while the students are watching.” TSC Chairman Jamleck Muturi said.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) withdrew teachers from St Gabriel Isongo Secondary School in Mumias East and Mafuta Secondary School in Uasin Gishu due to attacks by parents.
Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) and Teachers Unions have so far commended TSC for protecting teachers from irate parents, dissatisfied with the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exam results.
Parents forcibly ejected principals, blaming teachers for the poor performance. Last week, parents targeted Mafuta Secondary School, leading to the ejection of the principal.
In response, TSC swiftly transferred six teachers from Mafuta Secondary School due to the violence. Defending their actions, parents argued that it was unjust to pay school fees for four years only to see the top student in a school score a D+.
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This incident follows the recent transfer of 17 teachers from St Gabriel Isongo Secondary School to other stations in Bungoma and Kakamega counties after parents stormed the institution and expelled the principal and director of studies. Principals are now appealing to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration for security as similar incidents threaten more schools.
TSC chairman Jamleck Muturi, speaking during an event in Embu on Sunday, urged parents with concerns about teachers to utilize appropriate channels such as Boards of Management rather than resorting to vigilante justice. He emphasized the need to shield headteachers, deputy headteachers, principals, and teachers from undue harm.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Muturi expressed his dismay at the humiliation of teachers, citing the recent incident where a headteacher was forcibly removed from Isongo Secondary School. He questioned the impact of such incidents on the ability of headteachers to manage students effectively.
KESSHA’s acting national chairman, Willy Kuria, expressed full support for TSC’s decision to withdraw teachers. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the security and lives of teachers amid the challenges faced by educators.
Willy Kuria, also the principal of Murang’a High School, condemned the “indignity and humiliation” inflicted on teachers by students and parents during these incidents. He urged parents to instill virtues of hard work and discipline in their children, rather than resorting to violence against teachers.
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Kuria emphasized that parents must recognize their responsibility in shaping a conducive learning environment. Kurua stressed the need for parents to understand that they are not the sole contributors to taxes and encouraged them to uphold decorum in their interactions.
KESSHA called on TSC to stand firm in defending innocent teachers, as Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu condemned the invasion of schools. Machogu directed ministry field officers and school boards to collaborate with TSC and the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to resolve misunderstandings in affected schools.
Education CS Ezekiel Machogu emphasized that the overall performance of candidates is a collective responsibility involving all stakeholders, not solely the teachers.
Machogu highlighted the constitutional protection of every child’s right to free and compulsory basic education, citing Articles 43(1) and 53(1)(b) of the Constitution. He urged a careful and consultative approach to address issues without compromising children’s right to education.
Meanwhile, parents who previously stormed Isongo Secondary School seeking the removal of the principal and director of studies are now expressing regret. The initial demonstration turned chaotic, with blame directed at disruptive boda boda riders. Ms. Adija Wesonga, a parent, clarified their intention for an organized protest and blamed the rowdy riders for hijacking the demonstration.
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Subsequently, the apologetic parents engaged with the school’s Board of Management (BoM) and the sponsoring Catholic Church to express their concerns. They are appealing to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to reinstate the 17 teachers transferred from the school to facilitate the resumption of learning.
The school is currently managed by BoM-employed teachers after the departure of the TSC teachers. The Parents Association (PA) chairman, Kennedy Lukoye, distanced genuine parents from the disruptive actions, attributing the upheaval to hooligans.
Rev. Ferdinand Lugonzo, representing the sponsoring Catholic Church, appealed to TSC to bring back the teachers, emphasizing the need for community tranquility.
The BoM chairman, Mr. Joseph Wabuyabo, reported the completion of investigations into the incident, with an action plan released for the school’s improvement. Despite the challenges, he called for unity to restore the school’s reputation in education.
However, officials from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) in Kakamega County insist on the arrest of those who assaulted the school principal before teachers are redeployed. Mr. Johnston Wabuti, Kuppet Kakamega branch chairman, emphasized the need for a secure environment at the school.
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Education CS Machogu, condemning TSC for withdrawing teachers, promised an investigation into the incident and pledged action against those responsible.
He directed collaboration between the Ministry of Education’s field officers, BoM, TSC, and the Ministry of Interior to resolve the misunderstandings. The report on the Isongo Secondary School incident is anticipated to be released by the end of January, with recommendations to prevent similar occurrences.
TSC Defends Teacher Transfers From Schools Invaded by Parents, Says Teaching Profession Must be Respected
