Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has warned school principals against flouting the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) regulations by inviting non-teachers to coach students.
The warning comes after the Butere Girls High School incident, where the administration reportedly hired former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala, who is not part of the teaching staff, to coach the learners on their drama play.
While addressing the press, the CS warned that inviting non-teachers to train students on co-curricular activities such as drama contravenes the TSC Act of 2018.
CS Ogamba warns principals against hiring non teaching staff to coach students. Photo: Courtesy.
According to the Act, all principals must not incorporate people not registered as teachers, including teachers whose names have been removed from the register of teachers, in school programmes.
Ogamba also ordered teachers to adhere to the TSC Code of Conduct and Ethics, which emphasizes professionalism and the protection of children by teachers.
“The Ministry wishes to inform principals who invite non-teachers to their schools to train learners in co-curricular activities that they are in contravention of the TSC regulations as well as the rules and regulations for the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival.The Ministry of Education is fully committed to promoting talents among our learners through all forms of co-curricular activities available in our school system. However, school principals are advised to stick to the rules and regulations governing the co-curricular activities,” Ogamba said.
The CS also criticised the Butere Girls High School administration for allegedly allowing Malala to direct the play “Echoes of War”, adding that the school principal went against the TSC regulations.
He went on to note that the government would not allow individuals to mobilise school children against authority, stating that political wars must only be fought by politicians.
