This archive report was first published on 10 January 2020.
On January 10, 2020, a dark chapter was written in the education sector with the killing of a teacher in Kitui County. The incident, allegedly linked to poor performance of a school in last year's Kenya Certificate of Primary Education, has sparked concerns over the safety of teachers.
According to reports, the teacher, Ms Daisy Mbathe, was assaulted by unruly parents who tortured and burnt her to death. This brutal act has been widely condemned, with many calling for harsh punishment for those implicated in the heinous offence.
The incident is not an isolated case, as similar cases of violence against teachers have been reported in Kakamega, Taita-Taveta, and Homa Bay counties. In these cases, teachers were viciously attacked and hounded out of schools by parents who failed to consider the real cause of poor performance.
Teachers have a noble obligation not only to teach but also to prepare learners to excel in examinations. However, parents, communities, and society at large have expectations of schools and teachers, which can sometimes lead to unrealistic demands.
It is essential to acknowledge that not all learners have the aptitude to pass exams, and not all schools operate at the same level due to various reasons, including poor teaching and learning resources and irresponsible parents.
Education is everybody's responsibility, and when parents or communities realize lapses in a school, it is incumbent upon them to take up the matter with the Board of Management, which is expected to report to the local education authorities.
Ultimately, a national debate on education is necessary to address the issues of school management, the role of parents, and safety standards. The Education and Interior ministries must provide security to teachers, and schools should be made safe for both learners and teachers.
