TSC to assess learning in schools as teachers’ strike enters second week

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has directed education officials to ensure that learning goes on irrespective of the number of learners in class.

TSC Secretary Gabriel Lengoiboni said Sunday some primary, secondary and tertiary institutions were operating normally and assured teachers, non-teaching staff and students of security.

Mr Lengoiboni said a team comprising TSC, Education Ministry officials and other officials would visit schools beginning Monday to assess learning and teaching.

“Teachers will be expected to be in school with updated professional records,” Mr Lengoiboni said in a circular to TSC and institution heads across the country.

Teachers went on strike last week to demand better salaries when their unions failed to reach a pay deal with the government.

LEAVE ALLOWANCE INTRODUCED

The government has offered teachers an increase in house and hardship allowances and has introduced leave allowance. It has also made provisions for car loans and mortgages.

However, the teachers’ unions rejected the offer.

The teachers have vowed to continue boycotting work until the government increases their pay.

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) have continued to urge their members to keep off work until their basic salaries are increased.

“We want to ensure total paralysis of the education sector,” said Kuppet Secretary-General Akelo Misori.

Mr Misori hit out at National Assembly Majority Leader Adan Duale over his calls for the devolution of education.

“Devolving the sector will not solve problems, it’s the strikes that will have been devolved because even then, we will still insist on better terms,” said Mr Misori.

The same views were held by Knut Secretary-General Wilson Sossion, who said teachers are free to engage in demonstrations and picketing as provided for in the Constitution.