Secondary school principals are pushing for an extra job group for school heads from the current D5 to D7 group.
Speaking during the closing session of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA conference, Willie Kuria, KESSHA Chair said that the the government should consider introducing another job grade for head teachers as the present last grade does not communicate with the work load and qualification some have.
“Teachers Service Commission (TSC) should expand job group from D5 to D7 and expedite promotion for acting principals who have served for more than six months,” said Kuria.
The KESSHA National chair also said that the government should consider to review school fees and capitation every three years to reflect current economic trends.
“The government should have a policy which will ensure the distribution of capitation funds and fees per student payment reflects the country’s state of economy,” Kuria said.
ALSO READ:
Teachers urged to embrace technology and innovation to transform secondary school learning
During the conference, the head teachers also resolved to be flexible, creative and innovative during the implementation of CBE curriculum. Grade 10 students will join Senior School next year.
“The principals have agreed to embrace flexibility, creativity and innovation while implementing senior school pathways,” said Kuria.
The principals also asked the TSC to consider promoting teachers who have served in hardship areas for more than six months instead of three years after it emerged that 1864 principals promotions were reversed.
KESSHA National Secretary Abdi Noor Haji complained that his 1864 members in ASAL, who were promoted as principals, senior principals and chief principals had their promotions cancelled because they had not served for three years in the positions they had been awarded.
He said TSC interviewed principals in question and promoted them but to their surprise, their promotion was revoked. Haji lamented that despite acute shortage of teachers in ASAL counties, getting qualified teachers for such positions was very hard. He regretted that the action by TSC against the demoted principals was demoralizing.
ALSO READ:
Outgoing TSC CEO Macharia decries teacher shortage, budget shortfall in goodbye speech
Haji complained that many teachers use hardship counties to get teaching jobs and after being confirmed or promoted, they always ask for transfer.
Haji said shortage of teachers in arid areas was worrying because there were very few science teachers and universities like computer were not being taught in schools in ASAL areas. “We do not have computer science, home science, woodwork and others which makes us wonder how the children in these areas will be taught as we implement CBE,” said Haji.
By Brian Ndigo
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
