Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Bomet branch Vice Chair, Peter Bett has called on the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to review its recent directive requiring teachers to conduct KCSE science practical preparations starting from 5:00 PM, saying the move is unreasonable, unsafe, and detrimental to teacher welfare.
The official said the directive, which requires science teachers to prepare examination materials in the evening hours, disregards teachers’ well-being and places them at unnecessary risk.
He noted that the safety of educators should never be compromised in the name of efficiency or examination integrity.
“Teachers play a vital role in shaping the minds of future generations. It is therefore essential that their safety, dignity, and working conditions are respected,” Bett stated, in an interview with Education News.
He added, “The directive to conduct science practical preparations during odd hours is both unsustainable and inconsiderate. It overlooks the personal safety and family obligations of teachers who will be forced to work late into the night.”
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He expressed concern that the directive poses real security risks, particularly for female teachers who may have to travel home after dark, exposing them to harassment, assault, or robbery.
Bett emphasized that teacher welfare must remain at the heart of education reforms and policies, warning that demoralizing teachers would ultimately compromise the quality of education.
He called on KNEC to engage stakeholders such as teachers’ unions, school heads, and the Ministry of Education to develop a more practical and humane schedule that allows proper preparation time without endangering teachers.
Bett added that teachers are willing to cooperate with examination authorities to ensure credible and fair assessment processes, provided their safety is guaranteed.
“We are not opposed to the conduct of practical examinations or to maintaining high standards of integrity. However, these goals must be achieved within reasonable working conditions,” he said.
The unionist noted, “Teachers deserve to be treated with respect, not subjected to unnecessary stress and insecurity.”
Bett further noted that effective education management requires dialogue, not directives that impose unrealistic timelines.
He urged KNEC to listen to the voices of educators on the ground and adopt a collaborative approach that prioritizes both exam credibility and human welfare.
“The well-being of teachers translates directly into better learning outcomes for our students,” Bett remarked.
By Our reporter
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