Matiang’i issues stern warning to absentee teachers

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has warned teachers against skipping classes, saying they will be dealt with accordingly.

This comes after the CS made an impromptu visit of Njoro Boys High School in Nakuru County, where he found that several teachers had absconded duty.

Matiang’i directed the regional Teachers Service Commission (TSC) representative Agnetta Kitheka to partner with the commission’s leadership in Nairobi in taking appropriate action on teachers who fail to perform.

Matiang’i urged parents to take part in the lives of their children and touched on the issue of vetting religious leaders who interact with students, saying it would protect students from possible radicalisation.

Matiang’i’s statement comes even as the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Chairman Omboko Milemba urged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to adhere to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and give teachers, their 50-60 percent salary increment.

“The Kenyan constitution is clear and must be respected by any employer without thwarting the collective bargaining agreements every time. CBAs must be signed and fully respected by TSC or else we will boycott classes as teachers in this country,” said Kisumu east executive secretary for KNUT Joshua Ogalo.

KUPPET’s Deputy Chairman Julius Koris, and KUPPET Commissioner Catherine Wamilyanga said the union would not relent in championing for teachers’ rights, in a bid to have better remuneration, and improved welfare.