By Norah Musega
Migori county senator Hon. Ochilo Ayako has slammed education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha for slapping a ban on use of school buses by public, saying it will hinder generation of extra income necessary for school management.
The senator noted the need for extra cash generation by schools arising from extra expenditure made by the learning institutions’ Boards of Management (BOMs) to hire more teachers and non- teaching staff.
Ochilo’s sentiments come weeks after an announcement made by the Education CS directing that school vans and buses are not available for public use.
“These buses are not being used by the public for free, payments are usually done and through this the schools are able to generate more income to facilitate most of their expenses before the government disburses funds to the learning institutions and smooth running of the schools,” said Ochillo.
The senator urged the CS to reconsider his directive in consideration to the financial constraints faced by school heads in the running of schools following delayed or little disbursement of funds to schools by the government.
“If it is a matter of safety of our children in school due to Covid-19 pandemic that is still here with us and the best way out is to ensure the buses and vans are cleaned and sanitized properly after hire to ensure they are safe for use by learners.
“No teacher can knowingly jeopardize the safety of children they took an oath to look after when given the mandate to teach and to head the schools, besides the CS must realize our schools need the extra cash generated through hiring of buses,” he added.
Ochillo also urged school heads to ensure the money paid for the use of the school buses is banked with clear records for accountability.
“Directive from the CS in not a good policy at this time for the benefit of stability of schools,” he said.
The legislator also noted that the level of education does not determine the qualities of good leadership and governance, but only gives a different view of facts.
His sentiments were in relation to the announcement made by the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati that law only allows degree holders to hold office.
“The IEBC must just follow what the law requires in the whole process, but I wish to make it clear that most of the best leaders in the world were never degree graduates, but were able to move their countries to greater heights,” he added.
