This archive report was first published on 12 January 2020.
As the new year begins, a disturbing trend has emerged in our education system. Parents are violently ejecting principals and attacking teachers over what they perceive as 'poor' performance by their children in national examinations, particularly the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE).
However, this behavior is not only barbaric but also criminal. It is a clear indication of a fast-growing culture of mob justice that should be condemned.
Good performance in national examinations is the sole responsibility of the students. Teachers are only there to facilitate learning and provide guidance. Transferring teachers every year from poorly performing schools will not improve grades.
The government should ensure that all public schools have sufficient quality infrastructure, books, and teachers to foster good performance, equal learning opportunities, and healthy competition with private schools.
Private schools are well-equipped and better placed to register better performance than their public counterparts. The government must take a firm stance against parents who resort to violence and ensure that they face the law for their actions.
Teachers deserve protection and security, and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) should move in quickly to safeguard them.
As one parent aptly put it, 'passing exams does not guarantee success in life.' The government must stamp its authority on rogue parents and ensure that they are held accountable for their actions.
Parents who storm schools and batter teachers should be charged with assault and causing grievous harm. No mercy or leniency should be shown to perpetrators of mob justice.
