Parents in Kisumu flocked supermarkets and bookstores to buy ‘back to school’ items ahead of the official school opening date on Monday despite the uncertainty surrounding the teachers strike.
Speaking in Kisumu while shopping for her kids, Marry Atieno a resident of Manyatta estate expressed her hopes that teachers and government could come to an agreement before tomorrow, a hope that has made her prepare her kids for school tomorrow.
Atieno said since both her children who are standard four and five respectively are in public schools they will mostly be affected by the strike if nothing changes.
She however urged the government and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to move with speed and tackle the problems with the teachers.
“Government should be serious with education matters and discussion with the teachers’ union members to find a long lasting solution to this ever striking teachers which has become a norm in Kenya. We do not want our children to suffer of this ‘war’ between teachers and government,” said Atieno.
Atieno added that the strike comes at a bad time because it will not only affect the form one selection but also other pupils who have to move to next classes and students admitted into new schools.
Martha Onyango a parent from a private school however hoped that the tomorrow’s planned strike will not affect private schools programmes.