Education stakeholders in Elgeyo Marakwet are calling for the urgent recruitment of more teachers to address staff shortages in public schools across the region.
Speaking in the area, Eldoret Polytechnic Principal Charles Koech emphasised the crucial role of teachers in achieving the country’s education goals.
“We cannot talk about quality education without enough teachers in our schools,” said Koech. “Despite the rising population and increasing number of learners, our public schools remain significantly understaffed.”
Koech also lauded the progress made in implementing the Competency-Based Education (CBE), noting that classroom construction across the country is nearly complete.
“I am pleased to report that classrooms meant for the new curriculum are about 95 percent complete countrywide,” he stated. “This shows that we are headed in the right direction.”
He further defended ongoing education reforms, calling them vital for improving the system. “These reforms are good for the country and necessary for aligning our education sector with modern needs,” Koech added.
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Meanwhile, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Elgeyo Marakwet branch echoed the need for fair and timely measures in the education sector.
Branch officials urged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to uphold transparency in the recruitment process.
“Some qualified teachers have remained jobless for over eight years. We are demanding a fair and merit-based hiring process,” said Sembelo.
The officials also expressed concern over delays in the release of government funds to schools.
“The late disbursement of capitation funds has greatly disrupted school operations. Schools are struggling to manage basic services,” Amuto stated.
The stakeholders called on the Ministry of Education and other relevant authorities to act swiftly to address these challenges ahead of the next academic calendar.
By Kimutai Langat
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