TSC threatens to withdraw teachers from all hostile areas

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has threatened to withdraw all teachers from schools in hostile areas until the environment is conducive for the tutors to perform their duties without harassment and intimidation.

Speaking during a TSC open day at Kawa Academy in Embu town, the commission’s chairperson Lydia Nzomo revealed that they had received complaints from teachers across the country, vowing to take drastic measures to protect them.

Dr. Nzomo stated that schools in high risk areas such as Samburu and Mpeketoni would remain closed until the commission gets confirmation from the local communities that the teachers would be protected and allowed to teach without intimidation.

The TSC boss further assured that the commission will not relent in ensuring that teachers deliver their duties without intimidation from from parents, students or local communities.

“TSC values the work of teachers and will continue to protect them from hostile and insecure areas especially in North Eastern. The commission ensures that teachers are handled professionally and they will not be at the mercy of anyone in the country irrespective of their positions in society,” said Dr. Nzomo.

She noted that in some instances, parents and students had been harassing teachers by storming schools to demand their transfers.

On the issue of teachers’ qualifications, Dr. Nzomo said in line with the new guidelines, all primary school head teachers will be required to be holders of a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Master’s degree of the same for high school principals.

Runyenjes MP Erick Muchangi, who also doubles as a member of the Education Parliamentary Committee, called on political leaders from North Eastern to come out in support of non-local teachers in the region.

Mr. Muchangi said the Education committee had received numerous complaints of how non-locals in North Eastern are suffering in the hands of locals, adding that it was high time the leaders joined hands in ensuring the teachers are protected to avoid interruption of learning.