Kisii Governor (in glasses) alongside KUPPET officials when they arrived for the Delegates Conference in Kisii town on December 8. [Photo|Citizen Digital)
The move by the ministry of education to have one head teacher as the boss of schools sharing the same piece of land has been criticised and opposed by KUPPET.
The teachers who were speaking in Kisii County at the Union's 17th Annual Delegates Conference demanded that the decision is subjected to public participation before implementation.
The conference brought together more than 500 delegates from the 47 counties.
Mr Akelo Misori, KUPPET' secretary-general argued that it observed was not logistically possible for one teacher to manage up to four schools in one compound.“While we encourage reforms in the education sector, we urge caution and comprehensive stakeholder consultations, before implementing radical policies, for smooth implementation. We support managing those schools under one management board but we must have different head teachers," said Misori.
On the other hand , KUPPET chairman Omboko Milemba stated that the move is capitalistic thinking.
“The idea of one head for many schools is capitalistic thinking, where you suck the blood of a worker with little compensation. The minister doesn’t want to employ more teachers. We shall stand firm and resist this move," he said.
The plans by the ministry of education to open day wings in national boarding schools was also dismissed by the union.“Why do we want to reduce national schools to day schools? It will be a management nightmare to have day scholars in these schools. What the CS should be focusing on is developing model day schools across the country, not taking the other way around,” said Edward Obwocha, who is National Secretary for Secondary Education.
Kisii county governor James Ongwae was the chief guest urged unions to embrace a participatory approach to resolving labor disputes in order to avoid disruption of essential services.“Over the past few years, the country has experienced industrial disputes that often lead to immense suffering by Kenyans due to disruption of key services. As you agitate for better pay perks for your members, have the interest of Kenyans at heart,” urged Ongwae.