The current deployment of teachers trained in Special Needs Education (SNE) from regular schools to special schools and units has sparked significant concern across the country.
Many schools are struggling to manage and support learners with special needs in both regular and integrated settings.
Head teachers from the affected schools expressed their frustrations to Education News, stating that the ongoing teacher deployment contradicts the principles of inclusion and mainstreaming advocated by disability conventions.
One head teacher from Vihiga County articulated the issue, asking, “When teachers who have been effectively handling learners with special needs are moved to special schools and units, what does that mean for the learners with similar conditions remaining in regular classrooms? Are they to be taught by teachers without knowledge of special needs education?”
Complaints are also rising among heads of institutions regarding a circular issued by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on August 14, 2024, concerning teaching and learning in special units.
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This circular, addressed to all head teachers and Curriculum Support Officers, explicitly stated that teachers assigned to special units should not be required to teach other classes.
Despite this, many heads of institutions had assigned these teachers additional duties, leading to further dissatisfaction.
Head teachers are now voicing their concerns about understaffing, arguing that teachers in special units should assist in regular classrooms, where there are also learners with less severe special needs.
TSC has been gradually deploying SNE teachers to special schools and units since May 2024.
The third phase of this deployment occurred in January 2025, targeting 1,200 teachers, while the fourth phase is planned for June 2025, which will once again involve moving 1,200 teachers from regular schools to special schools and units.
By Kaptich Tarus
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