Primary and Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers in Matuga sub-county, Kwale County, have decried inadequate infrastructure and insufficient learning facilities in schools in the area.
The teachers lamented that in some schools, students are forced to sit on the floor due to lack of desks while others lacked enough classrooms, and others did not have laboratories.
Teacher to Teacher Chairperson, Hamisi Mwamsema, said that the shortage of learning facilities was hindering the effective implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) as enrollment rates were constantly increasing.
“Historically, we’ve had a shortage of classrooms. In grades 7 and 8, we struggled with this issue. So, as we move into grade 9, we need to address how the increasing number of students will impact our already limited resources and space,” he said.
Speaking during a teachers’ meeting chaired by Matuga MP Kasim Tandaza at the Kwale Cultural Centre, Mwamsema said it has been hectic for teachers as they spend most of their time devising ways to accommodate students in limited spaces rather than focusing on teaching.
He said the situation has led to increased stress and burnout among educators who are already juggling numerous responsibilities.
Mwamsema noted that with the influx of students expected to continue, the strain on the current infrastructure and teaching staff was likely to intensify.
He acknowledged that the area NG-CDF has tried constructing classrooms but more effort must be put in place, calling for additional resources and classroom space to ensure that both students and teachers can thrive.
He called for immediate action from educational authorities and policymakers to address the challenges, stressing that effective solutions are crucial for maintaining the quality of education and supporting the well-being of both students and teachers.
Mwamsema said that without intervention, the risk of compromised educational outcomes and teacher dissatisfaction remains high.
He also raised concern over the alienation of teachers in getting CDF bursaries.
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He pointed out that while teachers are often portrayed as being well-employed and capable of paying school fees, the reality on the ground was quite different, as those who qualified for bursaries only received minimal support.
“We are concerned that when we apply for bursaries, they often do not come through. If you are fortunate, you might receive just Ksh3,000 or at most Ksh5,000,” he said.
Mwamsema added that teachers are suffering like other Kenyans and should be prioritized, given that many work in challenging conditions.
By Shaban Omar
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