Secondary schools across the country are staring at a tough time ahead as many principals prepare to leave office this year.
The big concern is what happens next. In many schools, there is no deputy principal in place to step in. Some don’t even have someone acting in that role.
Teachers say this could easily slow down how schools run, especially in rural areas where staffing is already a struggle. In some cases, teachers who have been promoted are turning down transfers to hardship areas, leaving schools without leaders.
The issue of promotions also stands out with frustration on the side of some teachers who have been in the same stations for years but have never been promoted despite their qualifications. Some people have also questioned the process of doing promotions, noting that certain regions are favored while others are sidelined.
KUPPET has further warned that failure to address the matter may hamper the learning process especially in light of the introduction of the new curriculum in the coming months.
In Trans Nzoia, the issue is becoming a reality with over 40 principals likely to retire from the service, but the number of deputy principals who would replace them is inadequate. Some of the areas where such a case would occur include Kwanza, Trans Nzoia East, Trans Nzoia West and Endebess. These are just some of the areas facing hardships.
However, the shortage of teachers continues to plague the education sector. While some institutions in urban centers have adequate personnel, there are schools in rural areas that still lack enough teachers to teach students.
The shortage was also noted by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula in his visit to Kolongolo Girls Secondary School in Trans Nzoia. In his statement, he noted that the school lacks 28 teachers
The teachers have warned that failure to act fast may not only affect their administration but also learning.
