Education Committee to Confront Education Ministry Over School Date Postponement

The National Assembly Committee on Education is gearing up to address concerns surrounding the recent communication issued by the Ministry of Education regarding the postponement of school dates for the second term. Chaired by Hon. Julius Melly (Tinderet), the committee has scheduled a meeting with Education Cabinet Secretary Hon. Ezekiel Machogu and ministry officials on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024.

Committee members expressed significant concern over the last-minute announcement of the postponement, citing confusion and adverse effects on parents and school-going children caused by the ongoing flooding situation. Hon. Melly emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “This is an urgent matter. We will meet the Education CS and relevant ministry officials. We need answers.”

Echoing Hon. Melly’s sentiments, Hon. Nabii Nabwera (Lugari) and Hon. Jerusha Momanyi (Nyamira County) highlighted the disruptive impact of the delayed school term on families and the need for clarification from the Ministry.

Additionally, the Committee intends to engage with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) regarding the status of Junior Secondary School teachers in light of a court order prohibiting TSC from recruiting and employing student teachers and interns. Hon. Abdul Haro (Mandera North) emphasized the constitutional and statutory mandate of the TSC, stressing that it extends only to the employment of duly qualified and registered teachers.

The upcoming meeting signifies the Committee’s commitment to addressing pressing issues affecting the education sector and seeking solutions to ensure minimal disruption to students’ academic schedules and the effective management of teaching personnel.