President William Ruto has appealed to Form 4 leavers from pastoralist communities in Northeastern Kenya to pursue teaching courses to fill the significant teacher shortage in the region. Speaking at the Mandera Teachers’ Training College during the commencement of his three-day tour of the area, Ruto urged young people in pastoralist communities to reconsider their career choices and take on the vital role of teaching.
Historically, many students from pastoralist backgrounds have been hesitant to pursue teaching, with preferences instead leaning toward careers perceived as more prestigious, such as medicine and management. The president, who shares a pastoralist background, addressed this cultural mindset, noting that teaching was often seen as a lesser career choice. “I want to challenge you pastoralists… initially, pastoralists were reluctant to pursue teaching courses that they deemed small. The jobs they wanted were those that were deemed to be ‘big,’” Ruto stated. He emphasized the importance of having qualified teachers in schools, saying, “Who will teach our children then?”
This challenge comes amidst a significant shortage of teachers in Northeastern counties, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing insecurity in the region. Al-Shabaab militants have targeted non-local teachers, prompting many to seek transfers after violent attacks, including the tragic 2014 Mandera bus attack and the 2015 Garissa University attack. These events led to the mass transfer of non-local teachers, leaving schools severely understaffed.
Ruto’s call highlights the urgency of addressing the teacher deficit, particularly in regions like Mandera, where the government has allocated 900 teacher recruitment slots. The president acknowledged the bravery of those who have chosen teaching, stating, “I must congratulate you for taking up the noble responsibility of teaching our children,” recognizing their role in shaping the future of both their communities and the nation.
Efforts by the government to address the crisis include the reopening of recruitment for non-local teachers, which was previously restricted after the mass exodus of educators. This initiative, alongside a shift in cultural perceptions about teaching, is seen as a step toward stabilizing education in the region.
As the government continues to support education in Northeastern Kenya, President Ruto’s call to pastoralist youths serves as a crucial step in bridging the gap and ensuring that future generations in these areas receive quality education.
