Teachers working in six counties that are undergoing the security operation have been urged to vacate if their security is comprised as a result of the situation.
The Kenya Teachers in Hardship and Arid Areas Welfare Association (KTHAAWA) National Secretary Wangonya Wangenye told members of the media in a recent interview that the government had listed 23 personnel whose services are considered essential in the areas affected by the 30-day dusk-to-dawn curfew but failed to capture teachers.
“Kenya Teachers in Hardship and Arid Areas Welfare Association takes notice that all the said areas are hardship zones and there are teachers who work there under extremely very hard conditions.
“As an association, we, therefore, urge these teachers who are our members to individually assess their personal security and if anyone feels insecure they should just give notification to the nearby TSC (Teachers Service Commission) office and not report to work if they feel their life is in danger,” said Wangenye.
According to Wangenye, the operation had affected a total of 8,437 teachers both in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), and primary and secondary schools have been affected by this operation in the said counties.
This number includes 1,206 teachers in Turkana County including the areas of Turkana East and South and Loima Sub-Counties, 2,577 teachers in Elgeyo Marakwet in Marakwet East and West Sub-Counties and 1,331 teachers from Baringo in Tiaty, Muchungoi and Bartabwa sub-counties; 1,504 teachers in West Pokot in Pokot North and Sigor Sub-Counties, 791 teachers in Samburu in Loroki and Krisis Sub-Counties and 1,206 teachers in Laikipia in Laikipia West Sub-Counties in Olmoran and Ngarua division and Laikipia North Mukogondo division.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, through a Gazette Notice, dated the 13th of February declared 6 counties as disturbed and dangerous and declared a 30-day Curfew from dusk to dawn in Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot, Samburu and Laikipia counties.
For simple, there will be no public gatherings, processions or movement, either alone or as a group during the period of the curfew unless allowed in writing by the Inspector-General of the Police.
However, Interior CS Kindiki said that the curfew will not apply to the services, personnel or certain workers including health workers, lawyers, national security officers, public health and sanitation officers, licensed pharmaceutical companies, pharmacies and drug stores and licensed broadcasters and media houses among others.
The teachers now have the option to vacate or stay depending on whether it is convenient for them. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has not given any response about the issue.