Teachers deployed in Laikipia County have petitioned Parliamentary Education Committee to intervene and stop Teachers Service Commission (TSC) from de-gazetting the designated hardship area for teacher placement.
They want the MPs to advocate for the continued designation of the county as a hardship area.
In a petition signed by over 1,331 teachers, they are protesting plan by (TSC) to de-gazette the area.
“Your support in this matter is crucial in ensuring that our children receive the quality education they deserve. We remain hopeful for a favorable resolution that will positively impact the lives of our students and the future of Laikipia community,” the petition read.
They demanded TSC to continue designating the area as a hardship area for teacher placement.
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“As educators committed to providing quality education to all children, we are witnessing firsthand challenges that hinder our responsibility to fulfill this noble mission in our community,” part of the petition read.
The teachers stated that despite Laikipia County boasting natural beauty and cultural diversity, it faces significant obstacles that impede educational progress.
Some of the key challenges include poor transportation infrastructure, the area has inadequate infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water supply, which affects the quality of life for residents and deters teachers from working in the area.
The area has reported rampant incidents of insecurity that includes human wildlife conflicts, which compromise the safety of teachers and students thus greatly disrupting the teaching and learning programs.
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Other issues raised include limited access to Healthcare and Education, Harsh Environmental Conditions, financial commitments and other pay slip deductions.
The teachers also pointed out that they are also faced with financial obligations and upkeep. They have bills and other obligations which they meet with the meager net on their pay slips left after the commitments and deductions.
The teacher representatives led by Kinyua Mwangi, Peter Mbucho, Wambugu Wathitu, Samuel Mwai and Joseph Gachiani were to meet the parliamentary education committee on Tuesday but the meeting was postponed after CS Education Julius Migos failed to appear before the committee. They are now expected to appear again when the CS is available to address the issues raised.
By Obegi Malack
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