The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha) has praised the decision of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to withdraw teachers from St Gabriel Isongo Secondary School in Mumias East and Mafuta Secondary School in Uasin Gishu due to attacks by parents. Irate parents had stormed the two schools, blaming teachers for poor performance in the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations and forcibly ejecting the principals.
The TSC responded by transferring six teachers from Mafuta Secondary School due to the violence. This action followed a similar incident at St Gabriel Isongo Secondary School, where 17 teachers were transferred after parents invaded the institution and ejected the principal and the director of studies.
Kessha’s acting national chairman, Willy Kuria, expressed full support for the TSC’s decision to withdraw the teachers. He emphasized that while education is crucial for children’s future, the security and lives of teachers and everyone else are paramount. Mr. Kuria condemned the indignity and humiliation faced by teachers, stressing that such actions betray trust and respect for educators.
Kessha urged the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to provide security for principals facing similar incidents. Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu also condemned the invasion of schools and directed field officers and school boards to collaborate with the TSC and the Ministry of Interior to address misunderstandings in affected schools.
