Matiangi

Teachers from Migori County have blamed the cabinet secretary in charge of education Dr Fred Matiangi for issuing too many policies in education sector which cannot be achieved within the stipulated time.

Led by the Rongo branch KNUT chairman Samwel Omwaga the teachers heaped blames on the minister saying he has put a lot of pressure on them making content delivery a big problem.

They said that, the roles of teachers should be redefined and solutions affecting the sector handled in ensuring its smooth running.

Omwaga on his part said teachers are not trained to be counselors and so they are not better placed to handle cases that require counseling.

“We accept the effort our minister in making in ensuring education matters are streamlined but what we as teachers say is that many reforms can’t be brought at once and succeed,” said Omwaga.

He reiterated that the ministry should find a way of handling discipline in schools as the law does not accept corporal punishment as stipulated in the new rule on students who engage into rampage and cause serious damage in schools.

This comes barely a few days after the minister directed that such students should be expelled and not allowed to join other schools unless a written letter from the county director of Education is availed.

Omwaga said pressure mounted on teachers does not create enough room for moral ethics acquisition in schools hence amicable solution should be found as learners will still misbehave due to improper disciplinary measures.

He added that learners are equally under pressure to perform well under such circumstances and would easily resort to burning of their schools saying it is unfortunate to see such things happen despite the tough penalties leveled against the perpetrators.

The KNUT official said education sector requires revised education policies as the one in place is long overdue criticizing the cabinet secretary for resorting to roadside policies that at times comes difficult to implement due non involvement of other important education stakeholders.