The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Kitui branch has called on parents to stop taking drastic actions such as closing schools and chasing away head teachers as a means of addressing grievances.
Speaking on the issue, KNUT Kitui Executive Secretary Mr. Simon Nding’o strongly condemned the rising incidents of parents taking the law into their own hands. He emphasized the importance of consulting with education stakeholders, including school boards and local authorities, when faced with challenges, instead of resorting to extreme measures.
“The decision to close schools as a way of getting rid of head teachers is wrong and counterproductive,” Mr. Nding’o said. He urged parents to engage in dialogue and follow the proper channels to resolve disputes in schools.
In his address, Mr. Nding’o also called on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to take more proactive steps in ensuring the safety and security of teachers. He highlighted the need for teachers to be protected from any form of harassment or intimidation in the course of their duties.
Additionally, he lauded teachers for their commitment and hard work, especially as students prepare for their end-of-term exams. “Our teachers have shown remarkable dedication in ensuring pupils are well-prepared for their upcoming exams, despite the challenges they face,” he said.
As schools gear up for the final term examinations, Mr. Nding’o urged all education stakeholders to work together in fostering a peaceful and conducive learning environment.
