The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) West Pokot Executive Secretary, Martin Sembelo, has called on schools across the country to ensure they are fully registered with the Ministry of Education and possess valid title deeds for the land they occupy. Speaking during a recent education stakeholders’ forum, Sembelo emphasised that registration and legal documentation are not mere bureaucratic formalities but vital safeguards that protect the sustainability, stability, and credibility of schools.
“Registration is the first step toward ensuring that schools operate within the law and have access to government programs that support learning and infrastructure development,” Sembelo said. “Without it, schools risk being excluded from vital support systems and face potential disputes that may disrupt the learning process.”
He warned that schools operating without proper registration are vulnerable to losing government recognition, funding, and support, while those lacking title deeds face the grave risk of land disputes, encroachment, or even displacement. “Every school must secure its existence legally,” he stated. “A school without ownership documents is not just vulnerable—it is operating on borrowed time.”
According to the Ministry of Education, Kenya has approximately 32,643 public schools, but only 11,974—roughly 37 percent—currently hold valid title deeds. This implies that over 20,000 schools remain exposed to land-related disputes, a situation that threatens both the physical infrastructure of schools and the academic future of millions of Kenyan learners. Mr. Sembelo emphasized that securing a title deed is not merely an administrative process; it is a critical legal protection that guarantees continuity, stability, and growth.
He further advised that schools that have already acquired title deeds must ensure their safe storage, preferably under the custody of the Board of Management or in secure, fireproof facilities. “A title deed is not just a piece of paper; it is proof of ownership,” he remarked. “Schools must treat it with the utmost care. Safe storage is not optional; it is essential to prevent loss, theft, or misuse, which can compromise the school’s future.”
Beyond legal and administrative measures, Sembelo highlighted the importance of physical security within schools. He directed heads of institutions to prioritize proper fencing and ensure each school has a single, well-monitored gate. “A school must be a safe environment where learners and staff can focus on education without fear of intrusion or disruption,” he said. “Proper fencing and a controlled entry point protect learners, teachers, and school property while also helping to maintain order and discipline.”
He went further to underscore the need for learner-friendly environments—schools that are not only safe but also welcoming and supportive. According to Sembelo, learner-friendly schools create a culture where students feel secure, respected, and motivated to excel academically and socially. These environments prioritize the emotional and physical well-being of students, foster positive relationships with teachers, and encourage active engagement in learning. “Security is not just about walls and gates; it is about care, respect, and creating an atmosphere that nurtures learners’ potential,” he noted.
A key component of a learner-friendly environment, he said, is the respect and recognition of teachers. “When teachers feel respected, they work with greater dedication and commitment, ensuring that the school’s performance remains on an upward trajectory,” he explained. Sembelo added that schools where teachers are disrespected or intimidated often register poor academic results, as low morale, diminished motivation, and lack of collaboration directly affect learners’ performance.
He also reminded parents and guardians to observe school rules, respect the authority of school management, and avoid actions that may disrupt learning. Mr. Sembelo warned that parents who cause havoc, confront teachers, or interfere with school programs risk prosecution under education and public order laws. “Schools are centers of learning, not arenas for confrontation,” he said. “Parents who disrupt learning or intimidate staff will face legal consequences. Respecting school premises is fundamental to building strong, functional, and high-performing schools.”
Statistics from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics underline the scale of the education sector and the magnitude of these challenges. In 2023, public primary school enrolment stood at approximately 10.39 million learners, while secondary school enrolment reached 4.11 million. Despite this increase, teacher numbers have not expanded proportionally. Primary school teachers slightly declined from 221,510 in 2022 to 219,727 in 2023, while secondary school and teacher training college educators rose marginally to 125,563, placing pressure on the teacher-to-learner ratio.
In addition, the 2022/23 Educational Statistical Yearbook reported around 17,387 administrative and support staff across public schools, including bursars, secretaries, and other non-teaching personnel. This number remains insufficient to meet the operational, administrative, and safety needs of more than 96,000 educational institutions nationwide. Mr. Sembelo stressed that strong governance, adequate staffing, and infrastructure support are critical to ensuring learner-friendly schools that uphold discipline, security, and academic excellence.
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In West Pokot County, several schools have already implemented Mr. Sembelo’s directives. The county currently hosts 554 primary schools with 3,005 teachers, 120 secondary schools with 987 teachers, 1,032 ECDE centres with 838 teachers, and 11 tertiary institutions including polytechnics and training colleges. These institutions are collaborating closely with the County Education Office, KNUT, and the Ministry of Lands to secure title deeds, enhance school infrastructure, and create safe and learner-friendly environments.
Headteachers in the county have established secure storage facilities for title deeds, often in fireproof safes or bank deposit boxes, to prevent loss or misuse. Many schools have strengthened fencing, introduced single-gate policies, and implemented strict access controls. Local stakeholders report that these measures have improved school safety, reduced vandalism and trespassing, and fostered a positive learning culture. Teachers report higher morale, learners feel more secure, and school performance has shown signs of improvement.
Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Sembelo also highlighted his vision for the future of KNUT. “As I approach the end of my final term, I am committed to completing programs that strengthen schools, safeguard teachers, and promote learner-friendly environments,” he said. “If trusted to continue leading KNUT, I will ensure these initiatives are expanded to reach more schools and positively impact more learners across the country.”
He concluded by emphasizing that lasting educational progress depends on secure, law-abiding, and learner-centered schools. “We cannot talk about quality education when schools are unregistered, insecure, or disrespected,” he said. “A registered, fenced, learner-friendly, and law-abiding school with safely stored title deeds provides the foundation for sustainable learning and academic success. When teachers are respected, learners thrive, and schools achieve excellence.”
By Hillary Muhalya
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