Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association has endorsed the idea brought forward by education cabinet secretary Prof. George Magoha, to the return of caning in schools as a way of punishment to badly behaved students who have of late been involved in strikes with Bungoma county leading. More than ten schools currently have been torched, with the recent case of two laboratories in Kimabole Secondary School Sirisia constituency.
Addressing the mourners at the burial of retired teacher Mr. Joseph Lunani Lumang’ati at Lugulu village, Muhuu ward in Webuye East sub county, Western chairman of KESSHA who is also Sirende Secondary School principal Mr. Edward Bikala said the strikes that are happening in secondary schools in the country especially in Bungoma county are at an alarming rate and something must be done. He said as an association, they are in support of Professor Magoha if the cane will help learners in schools to stop destroying school property which took a lot of time and resources to build, with the the parents suffering the consequences as they have to incur the cost of the destruction.
He however called on parents and guardians to give direction, guidance and counseling to their children in order to make them understand the need of education saying most of the parents have left the task to teachers. He said all leaders from the region should constitute a stakeholders meeting and discuss the issues surrounding the strikes in schools. He also added that political goodwill from leaders will play a major role. He expressed his disappointment towards politicians have not come out openly to condemn the heinous, act something he says is quite worrying.
“I don’t know why politicians haven’t come out openly to condemn the heinous act, this should be a collective responsibility for parents, teachers and leaders so that this students know that what they are engaging in is bad otherwise it will is getting worse each day.” The sentiments were echoed by the ward administrator of Mihuu ward Mr. Samson Nabutola who said the idea of children killing their parents is taking shape in Bungoma County and a lot of guiding and counselling should be done to ensure such vices are curbed before they spread, advising parents to make sure that they advise their children well and take them to church leaders to offer spiritual support and guidance.