The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of teachers posted in the volatile region of Lamu East. In a bold statement, the union urged the government to either arm teachers or provide secure transportation to and from schools in the area, which continues to face threats of terrorist activities emanating from the nearby Boni forest. The teachers, KNUT insists, will only agree to work in this high-risk region if their safety is assured.
During the Lamu branch Annual General Meeting (AGM), Malel Langat, the Union’s first Vice National Chairman, emphasized that while teachers are eager to return to the classroom, their welfare must be addressed before they can effectively resume their duties. Langat warned that the insecurity faced by teachers on a daily basis, primarily linked to terrorist threats in the region, is preventing them from fulfilling their professional obligations and compromising the future of students in the area.
Insecurity in Lamu East
Lamu East, particularly areas bordering the expansive Boni forest, has experienced a surge in insecurity, primarily linked to the presence of al-Shabab militants. This insecurity has placed teachers and other public servants in constant danger, with frequent incidents of attacks and threats. These conditions have forced many teachers to abandon their posts, leaving students in the region without adequate education services.
Malel Langat highlighted the immense risks teachers face each day, underscoring that without proper protection or reliable transportation, their ability to safely report to work is severely hindered. He reiterated that the teachers’ primary demand is security, noting that without it, delivering quality education in the area becomes nearly impossible.
“The government must address this issue if they expect teachers to continue working in Lamu East. They cannot just send them into these dangerous areas without proper protection,” Langat said during the AGM. He also called for an end to the intimidation and threats some teachers have allegedly received from local politicians.
Proposed Solutions
Langat put forward two key solutions to address the insecurity in Lamu East: arming the teachers or providing secure transportation. He pointed out that in the United States, many states allow teachers and school staff to carry firearms to protect themselves in case of an attack, suggesting that a similar approach could be considered for teachers in Lamu East. According to him, teachers stationed in such volatile regions should receive basic paramilitary training to enable them to protect themselves in emergencies.
The second proposed solution is providing secure transportation, such as the use of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopters, to ferry teachers to and from their schools. This option had been floated previously, but teachers have accused the government of making false promises. While some teachers returned to their posts after the government’s assurances of helicopter transport, these plans were never fully implemented, leaving them vulnerable.
Political and Administrative Response
Local leaders and politicians have also weighed in on the issue. Lamu East MP Ruweida Obo agreed that using helicopters for daily transport is not a sustainable solution, though it could be implemented in certain cases. “The use of choppers can be done, but it cannot be on a daily basis. Let us not lie to ourselves; this is not sustainable,” she said, acknowledging the logistical challenges the government faces in providing such a service.
In response to these calls, the government is under increasing pressure to come up with a lasting solution that guarantees the safety of teachers while ensuring students in the region can continue receiving education. Schools in some areas, such as Basuba Ward, were previously closed and converted into military camps due to the resurgence of militant activity, and the reopening of these schools has been fraught with challenges.
The Future of Education in Lamu East
As KNUT continues to advocate for teacher safety, the broader question of how to secure the region and protect its education sector remains unanswered. Malel Langat’s passionate plea reflects the dire situation teachers face in Lamu East, where rampant insecurity compromises not only their safety but also the quality of education provided to the region’s students. Without immediate action, the future of education in Lamu East will remain in jeopardy, leaving both teachers and students in a vulnerable and uncertain position.
The government’s next steps will be critical in determining whether Lamu East can stabilize enough to provide safe and effective education services, or whether the region will continue to struggle with the impacts of insecurity on its schools and communities.
