The Kenya Union Post Primary Education Teachers [KUPPET], West Pokot Branch has called on the government to close schools early to ease the tension witnessed due to fires in schools across the country.
West Pokot KUPPET Chairperson Nicholas Kupar said this will help stem a wave of unrest that has affected learning in schools.
Speaking to the press in Kapenguria town, Kupar called on President Uhuru Kenyatta to intervene in the matter.
“We want the President to intervene because the issue is getting out of hand. He should not keep quiet yet things are not going well. We want the solution to the problem to be reached on soon.” he said.
He proposed closing of schools early so that when they open next term the tension will have subsided.
Mr. Kupar condemned the fire incidents happening in schools urging learners to use the right methods to solve their grievances.
“It is saddening to hear fires in schools every day. We regret what is happening in our schools,” he said.
He added that parents and the community at large are uncomfortable about the increasing cases of arson in schools.
The KUPPET Chairperson stated that the situation has reached alarming levels of national crisis and should be addressed immediately.
“We will not sit still while we see schools burnt. Leaders should also come in and help solve the stalemate,”he said.
Kupar reiterated that parents are the ones burdened to pay for the damages done by learners in schools.
He however faulted the directives and policies given out by the education cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi as the causes of unrest in schools citing the issue of exams.
He should consult with all education stakeholders .We all want credible results but the way to go about it is a problem,”he said
Kupar called on the CS to consult with all education stakeholders and interrogate the causes of fires in schools.
“He should bring on board all stakeholders in the education sector to discuss and come up with a solution to the causes of school unrest,” he said.
Mr. Kupar pointed out that the individuals responsible for school fires should also be identified and that measures should be taken to either prosecute or surcharge them.
