Insecurity fears as private schools remain open

Insecurity fears as private schools remain open

The Kenya Private Schools Association has said attendance is low in many private schools due to fears of attacks by striking public school teachers.

Uasin Gishu County Association Chair Antony Ndungu is now appealing to the government to beef up security in all open schools as the teachers’ strike continues.

Ndungu expressed concern that the strike has caused confusion in many private schools across the country hampering attendance.

This follows an application by the Kenya Private Schools Association to contest the order.

Private schools argued that they are not part of the pay dispute pitting teachers in public schools against the Teachers Service Commission, and as such, should not be treated in the same manner as public schools.

The application was served to Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi and Attorney General Githu Muigai ahead of an interparty hearing on September 24th.

As students in private schools stay in class, those in public schools flocked public libraries even as the KCPE and KCSE candidates prepare for their exams without their teachers.

The government maintains that end of year exams will go on as scheduled.

The Ministry of Education on Friday ordered the closure of all schools, both private and public, due to the ongoing teachers strike and this did not go down well with owners of private leaning institutions.

Former Private Schools Association Chairman and owner of Effort schools in Kirinyaga County, John Kabue, said that the government did not involve them in making that decision.

Kabue further said that he would not close his schools since the move will be costly to parents, students and the schools proprietors.

Speaking after an emergency meeting following the government’s announcement, the Kenya Private Schools Association also said they would resist all attempts to close private learning institutions.

“Programmes and activities in all private schools will continue as usual. If need be, we will move to court to ensure that learning activities are not interrupted by the order,” said Peter Ndoro, who heads the association.

Last Friday, the Cabinet released a statement from State House that endorsed measures taken by the ministry that all schools be closed for security reasons as the teachers’ strike enterers the fourth week.

The Cabinet’s statement, however, said technical training institutes, primary and diploma teacher-training colleges will not be affected by this directive.

Teachers downed their tools three weeks ago over a pay dispute with the Teacher’s Service Commission.

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kenya teachers tsc Teacher's strike Private schools public schools

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