The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Migori County branch has raised concerns over threats directed at teachers following poor performance in the 2024 KCSE examinations.
Speaking on the matter, the branch executive, Mr. Samwel Orwa Jasolo, criticized a section of education stakeholders and political leaders in Migori County for unfairly targeting school principals and teachers over subpar results.
Targeting Principals Over Performance
Jasolo highlighted incidents where political leaders have threatened to dismiss principals in some schools, such as Kibuon Secondary School, despite the fact that some principals are relatively new to their roles.
“Kibuon has had about seven principals since 2014, and the current principal has served for less than a year. Such frequent changes disrupt the school’s stability and progress,” Jasolo stated.
He emphasized that teachers need sufficient time to implement strategies and improve performance, calling on communities to address other underlying issues affecting schools instead of unfairly blaming educators.
Respect and Support for Teachers
Jasolo underscored the importance of respecting teachers and providing them with a conducive environment to perform their duties effectively.
He urged stakeholders to collaborate with educators rather than resorting to intimidation.
“Teachers must be respected and given the space to do their work. Only then can schools achieve good results,” he remarked.
Addressing Challenges in Hardship Areas
The KUPPET official also raised concerns about the lack of incentives for teachers working in hardship areas such as Nyatike Sub-County.
He called for the introduction of hardship allowances to motivate teachers serving in the region, which is often regarded as challenging due to poor infrastructure and harsh conditions.
“If we want teachers to remain committed and motivated, issues like hardship allowances must be addressed,” Jasolo added.
A Call for Constructive Engagement
Jasolo appealed to education stakeholders and political leaders to approach school performance issues constructively.
He called for collaboration to identify and resolve challenges facing schools, ensuring long-term improvements in education quality rather than placing undue pressure on teachers.
The union’s remarks highlight the need for a balanced approach to addressing educational challenges in Migori County, focusing on solutions rather than scapegoating.
