The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has raised alarm over the rising threats directed at teachers across the country following poor results in the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). The union’s Migori County branch Executive, Samwel Orwa Jasolo, condemned these threats, warning that they only exacerbate the already challenging situation by instilling fear among educators.
Jasolo pointed out that some school principals are being targeted for transfers due to unsatisfactory examination performance in their schools. He specifically mentioned cases in schools like Kibuon, where political figures have reportedly conspired to remove the principal after less than a year of service. The school in question has already seen approximately seven principal changes since 2014, a situation that highlights the instability and lack of continuity that teachers often face in such schools.
The union emphasized that such moves only disrupt the teaching environment and hinder the long-term improvement of schools. Teachers, according to KUPPET, require time and support to prepare their students adequately for national exams. Short-term leadership changes, driven by political influence or parental dissatisfaction, disrupt this critical preparation period, ultimately affecting students’ performance.
Furthermore, Jasolo urged education stakeholders to focus on addressing deeper systemic issues rather than blaming teachers for poor results. The union pointed out the need for urgent improvements in areas such as hardship allowances for teachers working in challenging environments. In regions like Nyatike Sub-county, which is considered a hardship area, teachers face numerous obstacles, including inadequate infrastructure and poor living conditions. Addressing these issues would serve as a much-needed motivation for teachers and improve the learning environment for students.
The situation escalated in various schools across the country, where parents demanded the removal of principals over poor exam results. In Homa Bay, Ototo Secondary parents and in Kisumu, parents from Oginga Odinga Tamu Secondary voiced their frustrations, calling for the removal of school principals. This growing trend of demanding principal transfers based solely on examination performance reflects a larger issue within the education system: the undue pressure placed on teachers and school leaders to deliver exceptional results without the necessary resources or time to ensure success.
KUPPET’s message is clear: while the union understands the frustrations of parents and stakeholders, the solution does not lie in scapegoating teachers and principals. Instead, there needs to be a collective effort to address the root causes of poor exam results, including resource allocation, better working conditions for teachers, and a more supportive environment for both educators and students.
In conclusion, KUPPET calls for a more measured approach to tackling educational challenges in Kenya. Rather than punishing teachers for outcomes they have limited control over, the focus should be on creating a conducive environment where educators can thrive, leading to better results in future examinations.
