Akelo Misori, the Secretary General of the Union emphasized the need for teachers to be in schools during a media briefing on June 4. Misori highlighted that the lack of a number of teachers could pose challenges for schools set to open next year.
“The key point we’re making is that it’s essential for the government to recruit teachers because education cannot function effectively without them. While we can manage without laboratories having qualified teachers is non negotiable. This is crucial in addressing resource shortages ” stated Misori.
He pointed out that those responsible for designing the curriculum understand the types of teachers required to implement the new curriculum. “The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) needs to strategize on how to deploy these teachers so that students have access to quality teaching ” Misori further explained.
This appeal comes as education stakeholders express concerns about whether the Ministry of Education is adequately prepared to transition Grade 9 students across the country. Stakeholders have raised issues regarding other resources besides classroom infrastructure but are essential such as desks, chairs, sanitation facilities, labs and most importantly qualified educators.
Headteachers who are set to receive these students in January next year have voiced frustration over delays in classroom construction despite assurances, from the government that new classrooms would be ready. Basic Education Principal Secretary, Belio Kipsang addressed these issues by stating that they plan to build classrooms more by January next year. He mentioned, “When schools reopen in January we will have 16,000 classrooms, for Grade 9 students. It’s our duty as the government to make sure this happens ” Kipsang affirmed. The Ministry of Education has always stated that Junior Secondary School (JSS) students will be accommodated in secondary schools.