Onyonka Demands Probe Into KNEC’s Teacher Marking Controversy.
The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) is facing criticism over its alleged decision to unjustly prevent several teachers from participating in the marking of the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examinations (KCSE).
Concerns have been raised about the council’s rationale for barring 32 teachers from Poroko Friends School in Narok County despite their qualifications.
Speaking before the Standing Committee on Education on Thursday, February 20, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka demanded an explanation for the exclusion of these teachers from the national examination marking process.
He asserted that the Ministry of Education must clarify whether the decision to prohibit the teachers from taking part in the crucial activity would be reconsidered.
Onyonka further sought verification from the committee regarding claims of intimidation, threats, and incitement directed at teachers from Poroko Friends School. Additionally, he urged the committee to provide justification for the large-scale transfer of teachers from the institution.
Expressing concern over the well-being of affected educators, he emphasized the need for the Ministry of Education to implement measures ensuring that such transfers do not negatively impact the teachers.
He also called upon committee members to take immediate action in addressing the plight of the teachers affected by the transfers conducted by the Teachers’ Service Commission (TSC).
Onyonka urged the Ministry to ensure that the relocation of teachers is executed fairly, without being punitive, discriminatory, or inhumane.
TSC’s Actions Under Fire in Turkana
Onyonka’s demands come amid controversy surrounding TSC’s recent actions, particularly in Turkana County. Barely two weeks before his statements, TSC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nancy Macharia was accused of facilitating the widespread transfer of teachers in the region.
During a press briefing on Saturday, February 8, Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) Secretary General Michael Ejikon condemned TSC’s alleged decision to transfer over 47 teachers from various schools in Turkana without providing replacements.
He asserted that the commission had violated the law by failing to uphold the government’s responsibility to provide education to children in marginalized communities.
Ejikon’s concerns were echoed by the Kenya Union of Post Primary School Teachers (KUPPET) representative in Turkana, Areman Simon, who accused TSC of undermining education in the region.
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He criticized the transfer of multiple teachers from the same institution, arguing that it deprived learners of essential educational services.
He pointed out that removing five teachers from a single school was detrimental to students’ education, questioning how the learners would cope without their instructors.
Furthermore, he highlighted cases where teachers were relocated despite never requesting a transfer, citing a nearby high school where one teacher was moved against their wishes.
Onyonka Demands Probe Into KNEC’s Teacher Marking Controversy
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