Violent politics to blame for school fires KNUT

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Nakuru Branch has opposed the move by Education Cabinet Secretary to have parents bear the cost of property destroyed by fires in schools.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Nakuru KNUT Branch Executive Secretary Mr Mungai said the cause of school fires is wide and not necessarily attached to parents, adding that collective responsibility will work.

The union officials have also blamed violent politics exhibited by politicians for the unrest and the wave of school fires currently being experienced in the country.

The officials also stressed the need to close schools immediately to relieve the pressure and tension being experienced by students.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops Chairman Bishop Maurice Muhatia opposed the call to have schools closed immediately saying it is a reactionary measure.

The bishop said the students cannot afford to waste a minute out of school and should remain to prepare for exams.

On his part, KNUT Nakuru Branch Chairman James Bii accused Dr Matiang’i of operating the ministry as a private business and urged him to consult widely.