Education CS Urges Reinstatement of Isongo Secondary Teachers Amidst Backlash.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has criticized the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for withdrawing teachers from St. Gabriel Isongo Secondary School following an attack attributed to poor results in the 2023 KCSE exams. Machogu has called for the reinstatement of the teachers, emphasizing that decisions regarding schools should prioritize the well-being of students. The closure of Isongo Secondary School, triggered by an attack on the principal, has faced backlash from rights groups and teachers’ unions, who argue that penalizing students for the actions of a few parents is unjust. Machogu announced the reopening of the school within one week, urging collaboration among Ministry of Education field officers, Boards of Management, TSC, and the Ministry of Interior to swiftly resolve issues in affected schools.

In response to the incident, Machogu ordered an investigation by county directors, field education officers, TSC, and other stakeholders, with a report expected by the end of January. While acknowledging the poor performance in the 2023 KCSE exams, Machogu deemed solely blaming teachers as unfair, emphasizing that exam results are influenced by various factors. He advocates for a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders to improve education standards. The National Chairman of the Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA), Johnson Nzioka, echoes this sentiment, stressing the importance of a collective effort among teachers, parents, and communities in the education sector.

The Education CS’s directive highlights the broader issue of accountability and collaboration within the education system, addressing not only the immediate concerns at Isongo Secondary School but also advocating for a holistic approach to improving educational outcomes.