By Lydia Ngoolo
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Makueni Branch Executive Secretary Benson Ndambuki has said the region is facing an acute teacher shortage and will undermine learning outcomes if not addressed urgently.
Ndambuki estimated a shortage of around 15,000 primary teachers and 10,000 secondary teachers.
“We need more teachers in the county since there is always shortage of teachers,” he told Education News at his Wote office.
To address the challenge equally, Ndambuki called for a fair recruitment in the ongoing teachers recruitment saying deserving areas should be considered first.
While lauding the Teachers Service Commission for recruiting more teachers, he expressed optimism that the incoming President will address the acute teacher shortage.
The two top presidential contenders have pledged to recruit more teachers to effectively address the chronic teacher shortage biting the sector.
On teachers caning students, he said corporal punishment is outlawed and teachers should use other means of administering discipline.
“Motivation, guidance and counseling can help a lot in correcting the learners rather than caning them,” he added.
On drug abuse, Ndambuki called upon parents to be vigilant on their children, underscoring the need to teach them on virtues such as respect, discipline and obedience.
