Closure of schools by the government over the teachers strike has continued to attract criticism from leaders in Gusii region who are now calling for the rescinding of the decision.
Speaking separately, politicians, priests and educationists urged the president to intervene in ending the stalemate.
The president said the government was not in a position to increase teachers’ salaries at the moment due to economic constraints.
The government ordered the closure of all schools except Form Four and Standard Eight candidates who will be sitting for national examinations this year.
Mr Victor Swanya a politician from Kitutu Masaba on Tuesday criticised the government’s speed to bail out loss making Kenya Airways, a private entity, while refusing to pay teachers in public schools their new salaries.
He questioned the rationale of allowing examination classes to sit for the papers when they had not been taught and well prepared.
Kisii County Education Board Chairman Dr Henry Onderion on Monday claimed the schools’ closure was the most unexpected act from the government and wondered whether there was any stakeholders’ consultation.
Onderi said the government’s move interfered with private schools which were licensed entities.
He advocated for respect for the rule of law by the government to avoid setting bad precedence.
Catholic Church Priest Fr. Lawrence Nyaanga over the weekend expressed fear that the children might resort to alcohol and drug abuse following the long period they will be out of school.
Nyaanga challenged the government and teachers to tone down their hard stance and embrace dialogue to resolve the impasse.
He appealed to the teachers to be prepared to accept the outcome of the dialogue for the sake of the children