KUPPET Urge Teachers to Take Charge of Curriculum Activities in Schools

KUPPET Urge Teachers to Take Charge of Curriculum Activities in Schools.

The Kenya Union of Post Primary School Teachers (KUPPET) is advocating for the formulation of clear regulations to ensure that teachers are the ones leading curriculum and co-curricular activities in schools.

During the Kenya Primary Teachers Heads Association (KEPSHA) Western Regional Conference held in Busia, KUPPET Chairman Omboko Milemba emphasized the need for education stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and Parliament, to provide direction on who should oversee school games, drama, music, and similar programs. He maintained that such responsibilities should solely rest with registered teachers.

Milemba urged political leaders to refrain from involving students in political matters. He stressed that students are not participants in politics and that the academic environment should be protected from political influence to allow students to develop and showcase their talents effectively.

While acknowledging that writing plays may involve individuals from diverse backgrounds, he underscored that the implementation and management of such activities in schools should be strictly under the jurisdiction of trained and registered teachers.

“We are urging the Ministry of Education, parliament and all education stakeholders to give proper direction on who should be in charge of school games, drama, music and other co-curricular activities,” he said

“We should not include our students in our politics. Students are apolitical as they don’t take part in politics. We should avoid politicizing schooling and the curriculum so that we allow our students to showcase their talents well,” he said.

Union Support and Caution Against Intimidation

Echoing Milemba’s sentiments, Busia County KUPPET Secretary General Moffat Okisai reiterated the union’s stance that teachers should be the ones in charge of all school-based activities.

He insisted that education must be kept free from political interference and pointed to the recent controversy surrounding the play Echoes of War as an example of issues that must be addressed to prevent unrest when schools reopen for the second term.

“Let us not politicize our education. We want the issue concerning the play of “Echoes of War” to be properly dissolved to avoid unnecessary tensions in our schools when students resume for the second term.” Said Okisai.

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Okisai assured educators that the union stands firm against any form of intimidation within the education sector. He called for moderation in the content intended for public consumption, advocating for a balanced and respectful approach in school performances and related activities.

The leaders’ remarks come in the wake of a national debate sparked by a contentious play performed by Butere Girls Secondary School. The performance had been slated for presentation at the 63rd edition of the national schools and colleges music and drama festivals in Nakuru County, igniting widespread discussion on the role of educators in overseeing school productions.

KUPPET Urge Teachers to Take Charge of Curriculum Activities in Schools.

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