The Teachers Service Commission has sternly warned School Heads who continue to withhold learners’ Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education certificates. Reiterating the directive, Dr Reuben Nthamburi, the Commission’s Director of Teacher Professional Management, assured the public during a plenary discussion on Thursday, June 27.
Adherence to KNEC Act
It is in the light of the KNEC Act that Dr. Nthamburi emphasized that it was clear that no individual or institution had the right to withhold student certificates. The audit reports revealed that some principals still flout this law. The directive was followed with a stern warning from Nthamburi that those found culpable would face consequences without any support from the Commission.
“Please follow the law of the Kenya National Examination Council since the Act is binding to all of us. In case that law is used and you are written to show cause why, then I am not able to defend because it is the law. Please, why don’t you just follow the law?” appealed Nthamburi.
Seeking Clarification
Nthamburi advised principals to seek guidance and clarifications from TSC offices at the sub-county level on the exact legal requirements. This is to put principals in the know on the law and thus adhere to it so as to avoid any kinds of problems.
Importance of Audit Meetings
Dr. Nthamburi addressed again issues to do with the need for principals to personally attend audit meetings called by the Office of the Auditor General. He emphasized that principals need not delegate such important meetings whose attendance by the top administration would really help in tackling and solving allegations raised during audits.
“The day the auditors come to your school, do not delegate the start-off meeting. Ensure that as a principal, you are the one who presents yourself in the start-off meeting with the auditors so that when they raise issues at the beginning and at the exit meeting, before they write the final report, you are able to sort the issues which have been raised,” he said.
Addressing Professional Misconduct
Other cases brought to the fore by the TSC Director are those whereby teachers, after taking loans from financial institutions, fail to honor the repayment obligation or change pay points. Nthamburi categorized such actions as professional misconduct and urged these cases to be reported to TSC County Directors for appropriate action.