Makueni KUPPET chairman Erastus Kimetu raises security concerns over the decision to hold the national science fair in Garissa.
As the county-level Kenya Science and Engineering Fair kicked off at Kalulini Boys’ Secondary School, Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) branch chairman Erastus Kimetu called for reconsideration of the national venue.
Speaking during the opening of the county-level Kenya Science and Engineering Fair, which brought together both senior and junior secondary school participants, Kimetu said teachers are also parents and exposing students to travel to insecure areas would be unfair.
“We have written a letter to the relevant authorities questioning why such a decision was made and who arrived at it. We are also asking why stakeholders were not widely consulted before settling on Garissa, for heaven’s sake,” wondered Kimetu.
The union chair, who also serves as the county science fair chief judge and science patron at Makueni Boys High School, noted that many teachers with participants at the county level are only striving to reach the regional stage but are reluctant to proceed further because the national event will be held in Garissa.
“It is demotivating. We are all Kenyans, and we value peace. Exposure for our children is important, but not in areas perceived to be insecure. There have been instances in history where lives were lost. When those from the north-eastern region travel to other parts of the country, they do not fear insecurity, but the opposite situation raises serious concerns,” said Kimetu.
He encouraged participants to remain innovative, emphasising that science plays a critical role in everyday life. He also called on judges to ensure fairness and transparency during the evaluation process.
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Kimetu further noted that the Social Health Authority (SHA) remains a challenge for teachers, describing it as a thorn in the flesh. He urged the government to streamline health insurance services, noting that teachers continue to face difficulties accessing treatment, particularly in Level IV and Level V hospitals.
On the issue of teacher autonomy, he stressed that educators simply want an environment that allows them to perform their duties effectively.
By Lydia Ngoolo
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