Teachers in North Eastern Kenya Seek Enhanced Safety Measures.
Teachers in the North Eastern region of Kenya seek paramilitary training akin to that of the National Youth Service. These educators, primarily located in Isiolo, firmly believe that acquiring expertise in close combat, weapon proficiency, and tactical skills could empower them with the skills to combat the prevailing insecurity that plagues their area.
This plea for training was articulated during the annual general meeting of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) held in Isiolo. Gilbert Wafula, the chairman of KUPPET’s Isiolo branch, contended that the police had consistently fallen short in providing adequate security, notwithstanding the continual complaints and tragic incidents that had resulted in the loss of their colleagues’ lives. He accused the police force of prioritizing their safety in times of attack.
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Wafula staunchly maintained, “It is an undeniable fact that certain regions in Isiolo, such as Oldonyiro, Merti, Sericho, and Garbatula, remain susceptible to insecurity. We are calling upon the government to offer teachers the means to protect themselves, in the form of firearms, as they perform their duties. Our demand for the government to supply teachers with firearms for their enhanced security is unwavering.” Other officials from KUPPET in Isiolo echoed these sentiments.
In addition, some officials suggested that teachers should receive specialized training from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). However, whether they have formally presented their petition to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the Ministry of Interior, or Parliament remains uncertain.
While the teachers did not outline specific methods for incorporating this training into their curriculum, they argued that enabling teachers to ensure their safety would be an enticing factor for educators working in the North Eastern regions.
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In September 2023, many teachers in North Eastern Kenya strongly opposed assignments to insecure areas and protested outside the TSC headquarters in Nairobi. Their main demands centered around transfers to more secure regions, as they expressed their unwillingness to continuously depend on military escorts, given the constant presence of armed forces behind their buses, which exposed them to potential risks.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki responded to the teacher crisis in the North Eastern region by urging the TSC to provide non-local teachers with short-term contracts when posting them to these areas. During his appearance before the National Assembly Education Committee, Kindiki acknowledged the escalating insecurity in the region and stated that his ministry was actively working on an operation to restore normalcy.
Teachers in North Eastern Kenya Seek Enhanced Safety Measures.