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Church decries transfer of teachers

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Published on Monday, 28 February 2011 21:34

The Catholic Church has criticised the Ministry of Education over mass transfer and demotion of teachers. Catholic Diocese of Kisii and the Lutheran Church have protested at what they termed irregular reshuffle and demotion of head teachers in schools in Kisii South District without consulting sponsors, as the law requires.

Catholic Diocesan Education Secretary Christopher Osinde and his Lutheran counterpart Samson Nyandoro accused local District Education Officer Adelaide Mbakali of demoting nine head teachers without involving stakeholders.

"The move has triggered conflicts in the affected schools," Mr Osinde told a news conference on Wednesday.But Mr Mbakali said the transfer of teachers was discussed during the District Education Board meeting where all stakeholders were represented and wondered why the sponsors and Kenya National Union of Teachers were protesting.

Makali said some teachers were reluctant to report to their stations, a situation that has fuelled management crisis in institutions.

In a joint statement issued at a Kisii hotel, Osinde cited Bogiakumu Primary School where the head teacher and his deputy were transferred without replacement.

Flanked by Vicar General Father Joseph Obanyi and Knut branch executive secretary Charles Mokua, Osinde accused Makali of issuing sack threats to those who fail to report to new stations.

They said Suneka Primary School had received three deputy head teachers causing unnecessary tension between teachers, pupils and the surrounding community. "The trend, if not reversed, is going to hinder smooth learning in schools and negate performance," said Mr Mokua.

The unionist claimed teachers were being promoted, demoted and transferred irregularly over alleged poor performance and security officers were escorting affected teachers to schools.The affected schools are Bogitaa, Nyakungu, Rianyabaro, Igonga, Oriangi, Bogiakumu, Mugori, Chisaro Itierio and Kirwanda primary.The district posted a dismal 224 mean score in last year’s Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examination.