A warning has been sent to teachers against using school resources to complete their academic assignments.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has also warned teachers who have abandoned their teaching duties to pursue studies under the school-based programme.
TSC Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia said some teachers leave lessons to attend to their academic work, negatively affecting learners’ education.
“This behavior has adversely affected curriculum delivery and compromised quality teaching in most public schools leading to poor performance in academic programmes and co-curricular activities among learners,” said Ms Macharia.
In a circular dated April 17, Macharia banned teachers from studying or doing their assignments during school hours.
“Institutional administrators are directed to compile a comprehensive list and details of teachers undertaking private studies on school-based programmes and submit it to their respective sub-county directors for monitoring,” said Macharia.
The CEO also instructed county directors and school heads to make sure that no teachers spent valuable school time pursuing private studies and neglecting their official duties. The heads have also been directed to report teachers who breach the guidelines.
“The commission will take stern disciplinary action on any teacher who violates the provisions of the guidelines. “The commission reiterates that while it appreciates that the attainment of higher qualifications is beneficial to the teaching service, it should not be undertaken at the expense of learners' education,” said Macharia.
She added that TSC had a study leave policy that made sure the quest for further education was granted for those who merited.