The Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA) has condemned the recent incident where a school principal in Kakamega County was assaulted by members of the community.

The principal of St Gabriel Isongo Secondary School in Mumias East Constituency was harassed and forcibly marched out of the school premises after recording poor results in the 2023 KCSE exams.

While acknowledging that teachers should be accountable for academic outcomes, KEPSHA said that any form of harassment or intimidation against school administrators and staff was unacceptable.

“Education is a collaborative effort involving teachers, parents, and communities, and such incidents undermine the very foundation of this collaboration,” KEPSHA National Chairperson Johnson Nzioka says in a statement.

Collective responsibility

Nzioka says that addressing challenges in our education system requires collective responsibility.

“The Association calls for a united front in fostering a conducive environment for learning, where teachers, parents, and communities work together to uplift education standards. Pointing fingers and resorting to acts of aggression only serves to further divide and hinder progress,” KEPSHA adds.

KEPSHA is now calling for the need to open communication channels between schools and communities, fostering understanding and mutual support.

Constructive dialogue

Moreover, the Association urges parents and community members to actively engage in constructive dialogue with teachers to identify challenges and collaboratively develop solutions.

In addition, the association urges Ministry of Education and the Teachers’ Service Commission (TSC) to take the necessary measures to safeguard the credibility of the teaching force.

“Furthermore, the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of the National Government should promptly act to apprehend the culprits and resolve the matter in a manner that ensures the well-being of teachers and school administrators, putting an end to this unfortunate trend.”