By Fredrick Odiero
Kenya National Union of Teachers Kisumu East branch Executive Secretary Mr. David Obuon has expressed concern over the manner in which teachers’ recruitment is carried out.
Speaking in Kisumu, Obuon said it is unfair for intern teachers to be awarded 30% above other recruits.
“How does one who graduated in 2018 on TSC internship compare to one who graduated in 2011 and works on BoM internship ?” He posed.
He called on TSC to stop recruiting teachers on internship but to instead consider their years of graduation.
He further said the recruitment exercise should be devolved and appreciated the support of regional, county and sub county officers who have made policies implemented with the input of all stakeholders.
“Internship can be considered only when BoM interns are allowed to complete fairly,” he added.
Obuon said they will continue to champion for fair industrial practices that allow and accommodate every aspiration in equal measure.
The executive secretary expressed concern over the admission requirements for trainee teachers in diploma college intake.
He lamented that the cut off points and cluster points for teacher trainees have stopped many people seeking training to be admitted for the course.
“Many are able to meet the minimum grade of C plain but they fail to meet the minimum grades of the cluster subjects,” he lamented.
Obuon said they have petitioned for a review of the policy so that many people access education.
‘We continue to petition for further relaxation of the minimum grades to pegged on the KCSE mean grade of C plain,’ he said.
The executive secretary supported calls to shelve extra curriculum activities in schools in order to enable learners recover lost time.
Obuon said side activities were also a burden to parents whom he noted have already been stretched financially.
“Such activities can be resumed next year when schools resume the normal academic calendars,” he said
He also said that junior secondary schools should be domiciled in primary schools.
