The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has urged the government to ensure security for teachers and candidates in areas prone to insecurity during the national examinations period.
Speaking during the KNUT Thika branch Annual General Meeting (AGM), the union’s 1st Vice National Chairman, Malel Lang’at, said that the government should ferry teachers using helicopters and ensure escort from security agencies in the volatile areas.
“We have places such as Boni forest, bandit-prone areas in Rift Valley and some areas in the North Eastern region. The government needs to assure our children and teachers of their safety during examination time,” he said.

Lang’at lamented that he has received complaints from several head teachers yet to receive capitation money for third term, who said that the matter had become a major challenge considering they are preparing for the national exams.
“School staff have complained that they have not received their salaries for three months. Head teachers have said they have a challenge from suppliers and are being taken to court for non-payment of services,” he added.
Lang’at also called on the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) to provide enough allowances for invigilators, supervisors and centre managers.
Further, he expressed to the government for honouring the second phase of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
“We will soon present 2025-2029 CBA to the Teachers Service Commission,” he said.

The branch Executive Secretary Mark Wamuthenya lauded the Ministry for their commitment to ensure JSS classrooms are constructed in every school.
Wamuthenya said that teachers in Thika had been briefed regarding the upcoming national exams and were ready to conduct the exercise.
“KNEC has been here and has prepared teachers, briefing them on what to do and also took them through safety protocols,” he said.
The AGM also saw the election of James Maina as the branch Treasurer unopposed and Samuel Muiru as his assistant, beating two other opponents.
By Felix Wanderi
YOU MAY ALSO READ:
Cardinal Otunga candidates surprise teachers with gifts of appreciation
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape