How and Why Teachers are fleeing Kerio Valley ahead of 2022 KCPE and KCSE exams

2021-2022 KCPE Exams to Kick off on Monday, See Why Kerio Valley Candidates May Be Disadvantaged

With the 2021 KCPE candidate class counting 48 hours only onto the examination, candidates in Kerio Valley are a bundle of nerves not sure whether they will sit for their national tests given the alarming rate of insecurity that has forced non-resident teachers to flee the area to seek refuge elsewhere.

According to the Daily Nation this morning, a total of 30 TSC employed teachers have fled and deserted their duties following an incident that left scores of teachers dead when bandits rained bullets on a school bus that was ferrying students in February.

Area residents were also taken aback by this shocking revelation. They peered into the school bus that was shot at by bandits while carrying students of Mogil Secondary School in Marakwet East, Elgeyo Marakwet County on February 18, 2022 in disbelief.

National exams in the Kerio Valley region could therefore be jeopardised as teachers flee due to rising insecurity.

TSC List of Teachers Who Have Deserted Duty at the Contentious Kerio Valley

Verified reports indicate that more than 30 teachers in the insecurity prone area have deserted their schools.

The teachers, including heads of school, say they fear for their safety due to the incessant attacks.

Non-local teachers in schools bordering Kerio Valley are fleeing the area due to insecurity as activists urge the national government to suspend national examinations in the region.

Special 2021 KCPE and KCSE National Examinations

Human rights groups want the government to consider administering special examinations to learners in the region when normalcy returns to the region. They say this is the only way to provide a level-playing field for all the candidates.

Since more than 30 teachers in the insecurity prone area have deserted their schools, learning and adequate preparations for the upcoming national exams have come to a standstill.

What Happens if a TSC Teacher Deserts Duty?

Kindly note that all TSC teachers are guided by the Teachers Code of Conduct. Any teacher who violates the provisions of the Code of Regulations for Teachers and the TSC Code of Conduct and Ethics is bound to face disciplinary action which may include warning or interdiction. Therefore teachers who are fleeing Kerio Valley will have to offer an explanation through Show-Cause  Letters explaining why they have decided to desert duty.

TSC Disciplinary Process

A Head of institution may initially issue a verbal warning or caution the teacher in writing on minor breaches.

In case of persistent misbehaviour, the teacher may be required to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against him/her.

From the teacher’s response, the head of institution may serve the teacher with a warning or present the case before the agent.

The agent shall;

Investigate and assemble relevant evidence.

Invite the accused teacher in writing to defend himself/herself against specified allegation.

Call witnesses to give evidence in the presence of the accused teacher.

Allow the teacher to cross-examine each witness.

In case of desertion where teacher’s whereabouts is unknown, the agent will interdict without any delay.

After the preliminary hearing the agent may reach any of the following decisions;

No case to answer.

Warn the teacher administratively.

Interdict the teacher.

NB: In some cases TSC or agent can interdict a teacher without inviting him/her for preliminary hearing.

An interdicted teacher should write a defense statement within 21 days from the date of interdiction and provide contact address. A case will normally be heard within three months after interdiction. In case of delay the teacher is advised to make enquires.

TSC Salary during interdiction

Teachers interdicted on cases of incitement, insubordination, infamous conduct and negligence of duty will be paid half salary during the period of interdiction