The Kenya National Union of Teachers Masaba branch has warned its members who engage in drinking habits, contrary to education regulations.
This comes at a time when the number of teachers said to be engaging in a drinking before going to their respective institutions is at its peak in the region, following constant complaints from other teachers and parents.
Speaking on Saturday at Gesima ward during a sensitisation exercise against drinking liquor, Masaba North Secretary General James Oteki said those involved in the crime will be expected to defend themselves without calling for help from the union.
“We are a focused union and nobody can make us look bad. We deal with issues that affect teachers and not crime related issues. Teachers should act as role models and that is essential for the purpose of teaching our children good morals,” he said.
The long term serving Secretary urged the Ministry of education to collaborate with the teachers’ union to hold seminars that will target teachers who are said to be alcohol addicts, not only in the region but across the nation.
“As much as we are not ready to defend drunkard teachers in disciplinary proceedings, we are ready as KNUT to work with the Ministry of education to reach out to these teachers and address them in seminars in a bid to curb this menace,” he said.
The move was welcomed by Gesima Education Officer Robert Obiria, who termed it as ‘extraordinary’ suggestion that will solve the problem that had hit the region for years.