Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has strongly criticized the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for withdrawing teachers from St. Gabriel Isongo Secondary School, where they faced an attack following poor results in the 2023 KCSE exams. Machogu is urging a reversal of this decision, emphasizing that decisions related to schools must prioritize the well-being of the child.
The closure of Isongo Secondary School, initiated after an attack on the principal, has sparked backlash from rights groups and teachers’ unions. These groups argue that penalizing students for the actions of a few parents is unjust. In response, Machogu announced on Friday that the school would reopen within one week, with teachers returning promptly.
Machogu called on Ministry of Education field officers and Boards of Management to collaborate with TSC and the Ministry of Interior to swiftly resolve misunderstandings in affected schools. He emphasized the urgency of returning to normal activities within one week.
He stated, “I made an order that the county director and the field education officers, including quality assurance, TSC, and all other stakeholders, were to carry out investigations and submit a report.” The CS pledged to investigate the attacks and take action against those responsible.
The report on the St. Gabriel Isongo incident is expected to be completed by the end of January, with discussions on recommendations to prevent similar incidents. Despite acknowledging poor performance in the 2023 KCSE exams, Machogu argued that solely blaming teachers was unfair. He stressed that exam results are influenced by various stakeholders, advocating for a collaborative approach to improving education standards.
Johnson Nzioka, the National Chairman of the Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA), echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a collective effort among teachers, parents, and communities in the realm of education.
