By Our Reporter
The government has opposed plans to reintroduce corporal punishment in schools to curb unrest.
This follows calls from a section of leaders to bring back canning in schools arguing this will restore discipline in schools.
Recently, schools across the country are counting loses running into millions of shillings following spate of property destruction from unruly students.
Education CS Amina Mohamed said the law on corporal punishment in schools was clear and the government will not contravene it.
Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo blamed parents and the government’s ‘treatment of students as if they are eggs” for the bad behaviour.
Odhiambo said it is time for corporal punishment to be reintroduced for teachers to instill discipline in students.
The MP’s sentiments were echoed by Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau who said caning will reduce cases of unrest, which she linked to poor parenting.
“Corporal punishment should be brought back to schools because there is too much indiscipline,” Gitau said.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers has also backed calls for a return to canning; saying teachers cannot effectively deal with indiscipline because rules set by the Education ministry protect learners.
The union is concerned that teachers can only teach without disciplining learners.
