The Kisumu branch of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers feels that there should be explicit specifications on qualifications and focus areas with respect to the new education Cabinet Secretary. Zablon Awange mentioned the kind of qualities and priorities that should be considered while appointing a CS at the county level.
Insistingly, he said the new CS had to be a professional with broad practice and training in the education sector. It’s only such career educationist, who is well conversant with intricacies and fundamentals of issues in education, that would fit well for the job.
The new CS has to be passionate about the Competency-Based Curriculum and committed to its implementation. Awange emphasized the understanding and advancing of CBC at the core of modernizing and improving the system of education in Kenya.
The new CS should zero in on the major, pertinent issue of teacher recruitment. To this end, Awange said that there is a need to consider recruitment for feeding into secondary, junior secondary, and primary. He added the call for the streamlining of the TSC to guarantee efficient and effective management of the teaching workforce.
He further appealed to the new CS to intervene in challenges related to capitation, which has been an issue for quite a good number of schools. Such would streamline capitation, ease financial burdens, and ensure that adequate funds are availed to the running of schools.
One widespread problem most schools have is fielding overage players in sports and other disciplines. Awange urged the new CS to decisively handle this issue, ensuring fair play and adherence to age limits in school sports.
Finally, Awange called for adequate funding and support for extracurricular activities in learning institutions. The new CS should ensure the activities get necessary resources since it is key to developing students holistically.