In a resounding display of unity and purpose, teachers in Taita Taveta County, led by Lenox Mshila, the Executive Secretary of KNUT in the area and Rosalia Mkanjala, the Assistant Secretary General of the union in the country, have come together to ensure a smooth and safe reopening of schools.
Addressing the press in Voi after successfully completing their day long induction training for the KNUT committee, Taita Taveta branch, Mshila expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the teachers for their unwavering unity and commitment, stating, “We congratulate our teachers for the unity of purpose they have shown. It’s now time that schools are going to be reopened on Monday and we assure parents and students that all our schools in this county are safe.”
Mshila urged that when schools open, parents should release students to go back to their respective schools so that the time lost during the prolonged holiday as a result of heavy rainfall in most parts of the country can be recovered.
Echoing Mshila’s sentiments, Mkanjala highlighted the importance of solidarity among teachers during challenging times.
“As teachers’ leaders, there are emerging issues that teachers are facing. We have seen incidents like the unfortunate burning of teachers’ houses in Jipe, Taveta Sub-county. We call upon the relevant authorities to address these issues promptly for the safety and well-being of our teachers,” said Mkanjala.
Furthermore, Mkanjala addressed the pressing issue of hardship allowances, emphasizing the need for fair treatment of teachers in hardship areas.
“Despite being designated as hardship areas, some teachers in Taita Taveta are yet to receive their allowances. We therefore urge the responsible bodies to rectify this situation promptly to ensure that all teachers can perform their duties without undue financial strain,” she noted.
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Further, Mkanjala raised concerns about the staffing levels in comprehensive schools in the county. She stated that many schools in the county are understaffed, particularly for grades 7, 8, and 9, urging the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to prioritize the recruitment of more teachers to ensure that every student receives quality education.
Moreover, the plight of intern teachers was not overlooked, with Mkanjala shedding light on the challenges they face.
“Life in Taita Taveta is tough for intern teachers, especially considering the high cost of living and lack of access to basic amenities,” she said while requesting for their employment on a permanent basis to provide them with stability and security.
Together, they reiterated their commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of teachers in the county.
“Our hope is for a brighter future for education in our county, where every teacher feels valued, supported, and safe. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence in education for the benefit of our students and communities,” they affirmed.
By Michael Oduor
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