The head teachers across the country have applauded President William Ruto’s government for abolishing the delocalisation policy that led to the mass transfer of teachers from their home counties.
They said the policy was inflicting and resulted in the deaths of their colleagues and the splitting of families.
“It has been a major concern among teachers, but we are happy that it has been addressed by the government. We no longer have an issue with delocalisation. Somehow, teachers are happy where they were posted,” said Kenya Primary School Head Teachers Association (Kepsha) chairperson, Joseph Nzioka.
Deputy National Secretary Gitonga Mugo said teachers should be allowed to choose where they want to be posted.
According to Mugo, he was a victim of the policy when it was implemented in 2018 as he was transferred from his home county of Tharaka Nithi to Embu.
According to the policy guidelines, he was supposed to be transferred to a school equivalent to his previous one in terms of infrastructure but was posted to a school at a much lower level.
“Delocalisation is bad when done in mass. If it’s done at an individual level, those that are willing then there’s no problem. Those that have been delocalised have had a taste of both the good, the bad and the ugly side of it,” he said.
Mugo said the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) should listen to the cries of the teachers on why they are running away from hardship areas to ensure their safety.
On the other hand, the teachers also welcomed the decision to have junior secondary schools domiciled in primary schools.
They said primary schools have the capacity to accommodate grades seven to nine.
Additionally, Nzioka also lauded President Ruto for forming the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms saying it will navigate the sector in the right direction.
