The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has voiced its support for the progressive phasing out of boarding schools so as to reduce the strenuous workload on teachers.
KUPPET Secretary-General Akello Misori said that tutors in boarding schools work for a longer time but are not paid for the same. Teachers on duty in boarding schools are required to be vigilant at all times and ensure students are safe in schools even if security personnel are employed.
Besides, Akello Misori argued that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation with teachers enduring a high workload due to the pandemic.
“Teachers are required to work for long hours to ensure learners recover the time lost due to the prolonged closure of schools for two terms in 2020. These teachers also take the role of parents as they watch over students to ensure their safety while in the school premises,” said Akello Misori while at Embu where he was attending a KUPPET delegates meeting from Upper and Lower Eastern regions.
The KUPPET Sec-Gen implored policymakers to devise ways of ensuring all learners are day scholars so that parents and teachers together make a contribution to the lives of learners.
On his part, KUPPET Chairman Omboko Milemba also chipped in and argued that forcing headteachers to be in schools for longer hours is not fair to teachers who are not issued any allowance for the additional hours they work.
Attacks by bandits in Laikipia County were also condemned and Omboko Milemba urged the government to act swiftly and restore calm in the area.