Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has announced he will move to court to block Embakasi East MP Babu Owino from conducting online teaching sessions, citing concerns about professionalism and the integrity of Kenya’s education standards.
Alai argues that the legislator lacks a valid teaching licence and professional training, yet continues to offer online tutorials to Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates.
According to him, Babu’s continued teaching without certification contravenes education laws and regulations that stipulate that only trained and registered teachers under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) can teach, whether in physical classrooms or on online platforms.
“The TSC or any recognised education authority does not approve the methodology used by Babu Owino. This poses a serious risk to the academic performance of students who rely on his unverified lessons.” Alai stated.
He further claims that there have been instances where Babu provided incorrect mathematical solutions during his online sessions, raising questions about the accuracy and reliability of his content.
The MCA insists that such practices could mislead learners and undermine efforts to maintain high educational standards in the country.
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However, supporters of Babu Owino have dismissed Alai’s planned legal action as politically motivated and unnecessary.
They argue that the Embakasi East MP has used his platform to bridge the learning gap for thousands of students, especially those from poor backgrounds who cannot afford private tutors.
Many say his engaging, simplified teaching approach has inspired learners nationwide and revived interest in mathematics and the sciences.
Babu, who gained nationwide recognition during the COVID-19 lockdown for his free live mathematics lessons on social media, has continued to attract massive online audiences.
His followers say his lessons are not meant to replace formal education but to complement classroom learning.
The looming court battle has sparked mixed reactions across the country, with Kenyans split between those applauding Babu’s efforts to support education and those backing Alai’s push for professional accountability.
By our reporter
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