By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-01-23 16:18:05
Mumias East MP, Peter Salasya, has issued an apology to Mr. David Wanjala, the principal of St. Stephens Isongo Secondary School, and to all teachers in Kenya and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). This comes in the aftermath of controversial scenes at the school, for which Salasya has faced criticism.
The controversial scenes involving Salasya revolve around the frog-marching and forceful eviction of the school principal by parents and members of the community. This incident was linked to poor academic performance at the school in the previous year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.
Salasya was filmed speaking during one of the chaotic meetings at the school where the TSC had transferred all the teachers, leading to the disruption of the learning environment. After a meeting at the TSC headquarters in Nairobi attended by MPs from Kakamega County and senior commission officials, Salasya issued the apology.
Emmanuel Wangwe, the Member of Parliament for Navakholo, spoke on behalf of the MPs, expressing the entire leadership of Kakamega County’s apology to the principal and teachers across the country, the Teachers Service Commission, and the people of Kenya for the unfortunate incident at St Gabriel Isongo Secondary School.
In the video clip, Salasya is seen accusing the principal of failing the students and the community and pressuring them to transfer. He also emphasized that teachers have an equal right to security, safety, and a conducive working environment, free of intimidation, bullying, and assault.
The board of management (BoM) of the school will review an investigation report conducted by the Ministry of Education and the TSC and take corrective measures as recommended. Additionally, Kakamega County’s political leadership will conduct sensitization programs to educate the community members on the proper channels for addressing their concerns.
Nancy Macharia, the CEO of TSC, expressed concern over the unfair targeting of teachers when examination results do not meet parents’ expectations. She assured that the commission will deploy 17 teachers to the school to expedite the resumption of teaching and learning activities and encouraged collaboration between the community and teachers to ensure academic performance meets expectations. The TSC has also implemented methods for appraising teachers’ effectiveness and will not hesitate to take action against those who do not meet the required standards. All affected teachers are expected to return to school promptly, following the received apologies from stakeholders.
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