Head teachers in Kisumu are calling for their representatives and the government to resolve swiftly the current salary stalemate for them to cover the remaining syllabus before the national examinations expected to start in October.
Speaking separately to HiviSasa, the school heads drawn from public primary schools, their secondary counterparts and those from the private sector, said it was prudent for both parties to adhere to consider the students first as any delay in preparations for examinations will impact on them.
Arya Primary School Head John Mark Ouma called for a quick resolution to the salary stalemate to avert a strike should the government fail to heed to teacher’s demands.
He stated that they did not have time to clear parts of last term’s syllabus because this time round they did not have holiday tuition.
"We would not wish for any interruptions once again because that would mean less time to prepare candidates,” said Ouma.
He said the learners have been away for four weeks and that will definitely put pressure on the teachers, once normal learning resumes.
Kisumu Day High School Head Gordon Muga said he has only September to prepare his candidates and the government should, therefore, respect the courts. He added that teachers should also sit with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and agree on when they can be paid.
"Money is sweet all the time no matter when it comes so long as the arrears are settled,” said Muga.
He asked the president and his deputy to intervene and end the stalemate.
Engineer Charles Ochome who is the chairman of Private Schools Association said every Kenyan is subject to the rule of law and the government must implement the court order.
“It is up to the government to raise funds and pay the teachers, now that the courts have ruled,” said Ochome.
He, however, expressed hope that teachers will also be fair to students so that they are kept in school for them to have ample time ahead of their examinations.