TSC Transfers Teachers from St. Martin Mafuta Secondary School Amidst Unrest

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has transferred six teachers from St. Martin Mafuta Secondary School in Uasin Gishu County following a violent incident where irate parents ejected the school principal, blaming the teachers for poor results in last year’s national examinations. This move follows a similar incident at St. Gabriel Isonga Secondary School in Kakamega County, where 17 teachers were transferred after parents attacked them.

Background

1. Violent Protests: The unrest at St. Martin Mafuta Secondary School involved parents storming the school, assaulting the principal and director of studies, and blaming the teachers for low KCSE exam results.
2. Wider Issue: The recent attacks on teachers and subsequent transfers indicate a broader issue within some communities, where dissatisfaction with exam results is being expressed violently.

Government Response

1. Education Cabinet Secretary’s Condemnation: Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu condemned the attacks, emphasizing that the responsibility for results extends beyond teachers to the entire community.
2. Investigations: Machogu tasked education officials to expedite investigations into the incidents and provide a report. He emphasized the need for legal action against those responsible for the violence.
3. Protection of Education Rights: The CS stressed that while addressing the invasion of schools and attacks on teachers is crucial, measures must be taken to ensure that the fundamental right to education for other learners in affected schools is not compromised.

Challenges and Concerns

1. Teacher Shortages: The transfers leave the affected schools with fewer teachers, exacerbating an already challenging situation in terms of staffing.
2. Financial Strain: The Member of Parliament for Khwisero, Christopher Aseka, expressed concerns about the financial burden on parents if they are required to pay salaries for teachers employed by the school board of management (BOM).

Final Thoughts

The incidents at St. Martin Mafuta Secondary School and St. Gabriel Isonga Secondary School highlight the need for collaborative efforts to address challenges in the education sector. While ensuring the safety of teachers is crucial, measures should be taken to engage communities, address concerns, and find constructive solutions to improve education outcomes. The government’s emphasis on protecting the right to education for all learners is pivotal in navigating these challenges.