Addressing Teacher Shortages in Baringo and ASAL Regions: A Call for Action

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has called upon the government to address the pressing issue of teacher shortages in Baringo and other Arid and Semi-Arid (ASAL) regions in the North Rift. Francis Bundotich, the Koibatek/Eldama Ravine Executive Secretary, highlighted the need for increased teacher deployment to ensure the successful implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Bundotich’s appeal comes at a critical juncture for the region, which has been grappling with persistent insecurity, particularly in Tiaty, Baringo North, and Baringo South. Despite a recent decline in banditry attacks, the legacy of these conflicts continues to affect the educational landscape. The shortage of teachers is a significant barrier to providing quality education and implementing the CBC effectively.

Bundotich emphasized the commitment of teachers in the area to the new curriculum, noting that despite the challenges, they have fully embraced CBC. However, he underscored the urgent need for more teachers to be posted to Baringo County. “Our teachers have embraced CBC. However, there is a need to post more teachers to our county. Although banditry attacks have declined, the government should also do everything possible to completely end the problem,” he stated.

The impact of banditry in the region has been profound, leading to numerous deaths and hampering development efforts. Bundotich reiterated the need for the government to take decisive action to eradicate the problem completely. This, he argued, would not only improve security but also create a conducive environment for education to thrive.

In addition to the teacher shortage, Bundotich highlighted the need for the enhancement of the school feeding program in all schools within the region. He pointed out that parents in these areas are grappling with numerous hardships and are often unable to afford basic necessities. An enhanced school feeding program, he suggested, would play a crucial role in keeping children in school and ensuring the smooth running of learning activities. “We want the school feeding program to be enhanced. Parents in this county are grappling with numerous challenges and cannot easily get money. School feeding programs will keep children in school hence facilitating the smooth running of learning activities,” Bundotich added.

The insecurity in Baringo has had a particularly devastating impact on several schools, including Arabal, Kapindasum, Kasiela, Sinoni, Nosukro, Ramacha, Rukus, Chebinyiny, Karne Emboss, Tuiyotich, and Chemorongion Primary. While some of these schools have managed to operate intermittently, others, such as Rukus, Ramacha, Katilomwa, and Ngelecha, have remained closed since the conflicts erupted in 2005. The prolonged closures have deprived many children of their right to education and exacerbated the region’s educational challenges.

The call to action by KNUT and Bundotich underscores the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to address the educational challenges in Baringo and ASAL regions. The government’s commitment to increasing the number of teachers, enhancing security, and supporting school feeding programs is crucial for the region’s educational future.

In conclusion, addressing the teacher shortage in Baringo and other ASAL regions is a critical step towards ensuring the successful implementation of the CBC and improving the overall quality of education. The government’s intervention is essential to provide a safe and conducive learning environment, support vulnerable families, and ultimately, foster the development and growth of these communities.