Catholic Priests Call for Principal Transfers Over Poor School Performance.
Catholic priests in Etago Parish, Kisii County, have raised concerns over the performance of certain schools in the 2024 KCSE examinations.
While acknowledging commendable improvements in schools like St. Linus Etago Girls’, they issued a stern warning to underperforming Principals, urging intervention from the County Education Board to address the issue.
The priests, led by Fr. Benard Ndemo, praised schools that demonstrated progress but expressed frustration with some institutions that lagged behind. They proposed seeking permission from Kisii Diocese Bishop Okemwa Mairura to recommend the transfer of Principals deemed incompetent.
Fr. Ndemo noted a positive example in St. Alphonce Nyabine DOK Secondary School, where the peaceful transfer of a previous Principal had resulted in the school becoming one of the top performers in the region.
The priests emphasized the Catholic Church’s significant financial and material contributions to education, supplementing government efforts. They stressed that teachers must not neglect their duties, as such behavior undermines respect for their profession and contributes to poor academic outcomes.
One priest highlighted the issue of misconduct among some teachers, explaining that their involvement in activities such as consuming illicit brews with villagers tarnished the teaching profession’s reputation. He stated that teachers are societal role models and should lead by example to inspire learners.
“Teachers are role models in society but when some of them mix with the old men and disgruntled youths to drink illicit brews in the villages, they abuse and lower the nobility of the teaching profession,” he said.
Parental and Community Support
Dominic Gisembe, a parent accompanying the priests, expressed concern that hard-earned money from agriculture—a major economic activity in the area—could go to waste if teachers and parents fail to nurture learners holistically.
He called on young teachers to uphold professional ethics, noting that learners often emulate their teachers’ behavior.
He also urged the Ministry of Education to reconsider delocalization policies, particularly for unmarried teachers, to give them broader national exposure.
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Parents expressed their appreciation for the New Etago Sub-county Deputy County Commissioner, Rose Muthee, who has prioritized education in her development agenda. They pledged their full support for her initiatives, believing they would contribute significantly to the prosperity of the sub-county.
The priests concluded by urging teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to work together to ensure better outcomes for students in the region. With strong leadership, community involvement, and ethical teaching practices, they believe that schools in the area can achieve their full potential.
Catholic Priests Call for Principal Transfers Over Poor School Performance.
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