The Kenya Secondary School heads Association (KESSHA) West Pokot branch has urged politicians to keep out politics in learning institutions to help raise the education standards in the area.
KESSHA has decried the issue of politicians infiltrating and influencing some schools leading to poor performance.He said that political intervention in schools is counterproductive and damaging to schools performance.
Lochakapong said a majority of schools have become a target for politicians who look for votes and tend to compromise hence leads to poor performance.
The Chairman said that politicians are damaging schools in the county by attempting to control everything that goes on in learning institutions.
“We kindly ask politicians to keep off politics in schools,” he said.
Speaking in Kapenguria, Lochakapong called on politicians to stop meddling with schools and give teachers time to prepare candidates for exams.
“It is time to shift the prime responsibility for education towards schools and colleges and so enable teachers to build the public trust they deserve and need.Leaders should shun from reckless talks,” he said.
He said cases of politicians interfering with education matters are high in the county thus having a negative impact.
Mr. Lochakapong urged the political leaders to work with all stakeholders in helping to improve education standards in the region.
“Unless a teacher or head teacher has done a mistake there is no need to intimidate or threaten them. Anyone with complaints about teachers should follow the right channel and forward the complaints to the TSC,” said Lochakapong.
The chairperson who also doubles as the Kapenguria boys principal lauded parents in the area for embracing education hence urged county leaders to team up in matters of education to help prepare learners.
“We want to be part of a good story and we need disciple in schools,” he said.
Lochakapong a pleaded with stakeholders to encourage teachers and give teachers a good environment to work.
“Head teachers should be given time to work and not be divided along tribal lines. ”We want teachers to be motivated so that they work assiduously for learners to get success. Parents should understand that schools are theirs and not chase away principles and head teachers,” he said.
Mr. Lochakapong urged parents and community at large to take children of both genders to school.
Lochakapong observed that there is a serious understaffing in the county adding that a affirmative action is needed in the county in terms of recruiting more teachers.