How many remember those days in primary school when class teachers used to ask pupils to go to school with farm equipments?
Those were the most boring moments for most of us, especially those who had to walk several miles from home to school.
The jembes, pangas and slashers were mainly used in clearing bushes around the compound, and ploughing the school farm where pupils would grow potatoes and beans, which ended up in the headmaster's store at his home.
A certain timetable was set where students were directed to the shamba, for irrigation and planting.
However, things seems to be changing and teachers will have to look for an alternative.
During the form one selection exercise that was held in Mombasa on Monday, the Ministry of Education directed teachers to shun the habit.
In a letter read to the principals, the ministry of education asked teachers to give students enough time to study.
“Do not tell students to come with jembes and hockey sticks for games. If you need these items, then you will have to buy your own,” read part of the letter.
This was not received well by the school heads who were listening keenly when the letter was being read.
I could not hear exactly what they were saying but I could see some whispering to their colleagues in low tones.
I wished students were present at the forum to air their views concerning the matter.
If I can recall those days, the first two weeks after opening school were set aside for digging and clearing bushes.