Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Mwala Branch Executive Secretary Moses Mutiso has raised concerns over the shortage of head teachers and deputy head teachers in the sub-county, attributing the issue to the absence of a hardship allowance for educators in the region.
Mutiso while speaking during a press briefing recently, explained that the lack of financial incentives discourages teachers from accepting postings in the sub county.
He said as a result, there is currently a deficit of 60 head teachers and 60 deputy head teachers in the sub-county, leaving many schools under the leadership of senior teachers who are overburdened and struggling to maintain educational standards.
“We urgently need the government, through the Ministry of Education, to introduce a hardship allowance in Mwala,”Mutiso implored.
“Many teachers prefer to work in neighboring areas like Kitui and Makueni where such allowances are provided. Meanwhile, our schools are running on autopilot due to the severe shortage of 60 head teachers and 60 deputies.”
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Mutiso painted a stark picture of the challenges faced by educators in Mwala, describing the region as “hot and dry,” with conditions that make it difficult for teachers to sustain themselves.
“If Mwala is recognized as a hardship area and teachers receive the necessary allowances, we will see more educators willing to settle and work here, ultimately improving our education system,” he argued.
The lack of qualified leadership is already taking a toll on education standards in the sub-county, Mutiso warned.
“Our education levels are declining, and if this issue is not addressed promptly, the situation will worsen, causing irreparable damage to the future of our students,” he concluded, urging immediate government action,” he added.
By Agnes Orang’o
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