BY SHABAN OMAR
Kwale branch Kuppet Secretary Edward Oronje has decried a shortage of JSS teachers.
He reported that 40 percent of JSS schools in Kwale are managed by just one teacher, which significantly strains the learning process.
Oronje said the situation forces the sole teacher to cover all subjects, thereby increasing their workload and impacting the quality of education.
“We have more than 40 percent of schools in Kwale that are faced with a severe shortage of teachers,” he said.
Oronje stated that the current situation is undermining the quality of education, as teachers are forced to cover subjects they are not adequately familiar with.
He urged the government to consider hiring additional teachers to enhance educational standards and alleviate the burden on existing staff.
Oronje expressed concerns that if no immediate action is taken, the education sector could face a serious crisis.
He warned that the ongoing shortage of teachers and the increasing workload on individual educators could further deteriorate educational standards and student outcomes.
Oronjo called for urgent measures, including improved resource allocation, to support the effective functioning of JSS schools and ensure a better learning environment for students.
He also called for the employment of JSS intern teachers and the implementation of previous agreements.
Oronje said that the government has been making false promises and that they are exhausted by the lack of follow-through.
He stated that teachers working in an acting capacity should be fully promoted and receive their allowances.
Oronje said 60 percent of Kwale teachers are in acting capacity as headmasters and Deputy teachers.
“We have teachers who have been in acting positions for 10 years, yet their salaries remain unchanged. This is both shameful and unfair,” he said.
Oronje also noted that teachers’ medical coverage needs to be improved to ensure they can benefit fully.
He said that the current medical cover is underfunded and ineffective, often resulting in teachers being turned away due to insufficient funds.
Oronje said despite deductions by NHIF teachers are still struggling to access treatment.
He said the government should roll out a comprehensive medical cover for teachers to improve their lives adding that many die for not being able to access better healthcare services.
