Category Archives: Breaking News

Kakamega Teachers Defy TSC ‘Threats’, burn TPAD Forms

Teachers attending a KNUT Annual Branch Meeting in Kakamega, today, set TPAD forms on fire, a move seen to be agitated by the TSC’s decision to discipline their colleagues in Nyamira. The physically agitated teachers sporadically carried their forms to the middle of the venue ground and set them ablaze, while chanting Luhya slogans. The meeting held at Malinya stadium in Kakamega was attended by KNUT top brass, including the SG, honourable Sossion, and local top Ministry and TSC officials who watched in disbelief.

Early this week, the TSC summoned teachers who had participated in the burning of the copies of Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) during a KNUT meeting held at Metamaywa market; in Masaba North sub-county on 29th August, 2018.

“At the meeting you participated in the burning of the copies of Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) in the glare view of members of the public” read a show cause letter seen by our reporters.

Pressure is mounting on the TSC to do away with the tiresome TPAD exercise that has reduced teachers to mere secretaries at the expense of teaching. Already, the President has directed the TSC to restructure the teacher evaluation process.

Teachers with good results to get recognition from TSC

The Teachers Service Commission, TSC, is set to reward teachers with outstanding performance. The Commission has now moved to have these tutors recognized. Teachers who have posted exemplary results in both academics and Co- curricular activities will have something to smile about after this latest move.

“In the past, some teachers have achieved global, national and local recognition as a result of their outstanding performance in the various aspects of the teaching profession. Teachers Image Magazine would document these achievements/ recognition in the next issue and subsequent ones,” says the teachers’ employer.

Teacher Peter Tabichi; winner of the 2019 Global Teacher Prize
Teacher Peter Tabichi; winner of the 2019 Global Teacher Prize

This latest move comes in the wake of successes of various teachers in the global scene. Teacher Peter Tabichi won the 2019 Global Teacher Prize. This was followed by Mr. Eric Ademba’s triumph after winning the 2019 edition of the African Union Continental Teacher Award.

The Commission says recognizing the teachers per county will not only motivate the teachers but also serve to encourage others aspire for professional excellence.

Mr. Eric Ademba, Centre, winner of the 2019 edition of the African Union Continental Teacher Award.
Mr. Eric Ademba, Centre, winner of the 2019 edition of the African Union Continental Teacher Award.

“This is, therefore, to request you to send details of teachers in your County who have distinguished themselves in different aspects of the profession. These aspects may include, but not limited to; exemplary performance in national examinations, sports, theatre, institutional management, innovation, research, community service, advocacy among others,” reads a circular from TSC to all County Directors.

It is a welcome move for thousands of teachers whose efforts have gone unnoticed for long.

Here are links to the most important news portals:

Sad news: Former Maendeleo ya Wanawake Chairperson is dead

Former chairperson of the ‘Maendeleo ya Wanawake’ Organisation,Jane Kiano, has died aged 74 at the Nairobi Hospital. The family reports that Madam Kiano died after a long battle with cancer. She passed on last night.

Mourning her death, President Uhuru wrote: “I am saddened with the news of passing on of former Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation chairperson, Ms. Jane Kiano. She played an important role in advancing women rights & justice in the country. Our thoughts & prayers are with her family & friends. May her soul Rest in Peace.”

The speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. JB Muturi, was also among the first leaders to condole with the late Kiano’s family. “My heartfelt condolences to the family of former Maendeleo ya Wanawake Chair, Jane Mumbi Kiano, following her untimely demise. Mrs. Kiano, a trailblazer in the advocacy for women rights & financial empowerment,leaves behind a legacy of changing lives & transforming households,” Muturi said.

The Deputy President, Hon. William Ruto, eulogized the gallant women rights’ defender, thus: “She was a proponent of gender equality, a strong voice for girls’ education and a prominent advocate of women’s mobilisation to build sustainable livelihoods and safeguard their welfare. Her indomitable spirit and energy transformed lives and gave hope to many. Rest In Peace.”

Sad News! Migori women rep involved in a grisly road accident

Migori Women Rep, Dr.Pamela Odhiambo, rushed to hospital with serious injuries following an accident in which her bodyguard Fred Owich died.

Orange Democratic Movement, ODM, Leader Hon. Raila Odinga has confirmed the incident and said:

“We have received disturbing news about Migori Women Representative Hon Dr Pamela Odhiambo being involved in a grisly road accident this morning. I wish the MP quick recovery. My deep and sincere condolences to the family of Dr Odhiambos body guard Mr Owich who, unfortunately, lost his life in the accident.”

The mangled wreckage to the vehicle belonging to Dr. Pamela

KEPSHA Elections abort after irate teachers invade venue.

Kenya Primary schools Head’s Association elections that were to be conducted today have been prematurely postponed. The National Executive Council (NEC) meeting convened today was ended prematurely when teachers chanting ‘Mafuta and Otiendo Must go’ invaded the meeting venue, today. The meeting called by the National Secretary General Secretary, Mr. David Mafuta, was interrupted by teachers who want Mr. Mafuta and Chairman Shem Ndolo to retire. The top KEPSHA brass is being accused of embezzlement and being in office illegally,as some of the officials have attained the mandatory retirement age.

The meeting was held at the National KEPSHA offices in Kileleshwa, Nairobi. The chairman, Mr. Ndolo, at one moment walked out of the meeting hall and ordered the media and teachers present to vacate the area. This agitated the situation as the angry teachers started chanting slogans for removal of Mr. Shem Ndolo. Mr. Mafuta who heads Mofu primary school in Embu is accused of corruption and diverting KEPSHA monies to funding own projects. More to follow…….

KEPSHA is an organization representing the diverse views of over 26,000 primary school head teachers, KEPSHA cares about a lot of issues pertaining to quality education in Kenya. The Child-Friendly Schools framework provides KEPSHA with the overall blueprint from which we are building a systematic approach to delivering equitable rights-based quality education for all of our pupils in Kenya.

Sad news! Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka berieved

Former Vice president and Wiper leader, Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka, has today lost his father, Mzee Peter Musyoka Mairu. Mzee Mairu died at Nairobi Hospital where he was undergoing treatment. He was aged 94.

President Uhuru Kenyatta was among the first leaders who sent their condolences: “My deepest condolences to you my brother @skmusyoka, on the passing on of your father, Mzee Peter Musyoka Mairu. May God grant you grace for this period. Our prayers are with you, your family and friends.”

Deputy president, Hon. William Ruto. in his condolences said: “Deepest condolences to the family of @skmusyoka following the passing on of their father, Peter Musyoka Mairu. Mzee Mairu was a gentle, kind soul whose amiable disposition made him many friends. He fought for democracy, human rights and free expression. Rest In Peace.”

Hon. Raila Odinga: “Pole sana my brother @skmusyoka following the passing on of your Father Mzee Peter Musyoka Mairu. We share in your grief. May God grant comfort to your family at this trying moment.”

Hon. Wavinya Ndeti: “My deepest condolences to the family of my Party Leader H.E @skmusyoka following the demise of their father Mr. Peter Musyoka.
May God give the family the requisite strength & fortitude to cope.
May his soul RIP & shine on his way to dance with Angels and other legends like him.”

More details to follow…