A senior Kenya National Union of Teachers official from Masaba branch has faulted the latest directive by Education Cabinet secretary Fred Matiang'i that called for prosecution of students found culpable of organising illegal strikes in their schools.
This comes days after a series of fire incidents in a number of schools from Kisii County among them Itierio Boys and Naikuru Secondary.
But Knut Masaba branch deputy secretary general James Oteki has termed the directive retrogressive and uncalled for, urging Matiang'i to review it by reaching all stakeholders for a consultative dialogue.
“With all due respect, I think our Cabinet secretary is misleading the public. It adds no value to call for prosecution of these young people who needs due guidance from all stakeholders,” he said.
“The directive is retrogressive and uncalled for. It’s time that the CS convenes an urgent consultative meeting so that we come with a common stand as education stake holders,” he added.
Oteki, however, called for capacity building and training of teachers on guidance and counseling to help impart more knowledge on the young stars about good behavior and moral standards.
“Sometimes I feel we should invest in guidance and counseling. This will make the students feel part of solution making. Taking them to court won’t help at all. They need to be guided properly through counseling and sometimes create a room for dialogue that in cooperates them,” he said.