Parents at Miiri Primary School in Gatundu North, Kiambu County, have protested the shortage of teachers at the institution, claiming their children’s education is at risk. The school currently has four teachers, but only two are actively teaching, leaving the over 200 students without adequate instruction.
The parents, led by the school’s PTA Chairman Sylvester Muoria, stated that since last year, four teachers have been transferred to other schools, and two others have retired without being replaced by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
During the protest on Monday, Muoria expressed frustration, saying the school had frequently petitioned the TSC to deploy teachers, but their efforts had been unsuccessful. He added that the shortage has affected the students, who have not sat for any tests or examinations since May last year.
“The school has four teachers, but only two report to duty. In fact, yesterday, there was only one teacher. This is a disservice to us and our children. We have raised the issue with all relevant authorities since last year, but we have only received empty promises. We were told that teachers would be deployed by January 16, but that turned out to be false,” Muoria said.
He also pointed out that the two teachers currently working at the school are forced to combine classes, a practice that is ineffective. Parents are increasingly concerned that their children’s education is at a standstill, putting them at a disadvantage compared to students from other institutions.
“Grades 3, 4, and 5 students are being taught in the same class. How can a teacher manage such a large group? How will our children cover the syllabus? The government is jeopardizing their future, and we won’t allow this to continue,” Muoria said.
He further emphasized that they have sought help from the Department of Education and local leaders but to no avail. The school is in need of about five additional teachers to cope with the large number of students.
Muoria added that the most affected group is the Junior Secondary School learners, who are rarely taught or examined. He said the failure by the TSC to send enough teachers is damaging the future of innocent children.
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Parents Lucy Wambui and Elizabeth Mwihaki echoed similar concerns, stating that many parents have withdrawn their children from the school and transferred them to more distant institutions within the area.
“The school once had a large student population, but most parents have now moved their children elsewhere. We are doing our part as parents, but the government, through the Education Ministry and TSC, has failed us. We’re worried about our children’s academic success and future,” said Wambui.
They also expressed concern that learners will face hardship if they are forced to attend other schools, such as Makohokoho, Gachege, and Kamwirigi Primary Schools, all located over five kilometers away.
The parents warned that if TSC does not address the teacher shortage, they will withdraw their children from the school and seek alternatives.
“We will not let our children attend school until the government provides teachers. Their safety at school is also a concern,” said Mwihaki.
Gatundu North Sub-county TSC Director Albert Ngare acknowledged the crisis at Miiri Primary, explaining that some teachers had been transferred, while others had retired. However, in a phone interview, Ngare reassured parents that the situation would be addressed. The TSC has already conducted interviews, and three new teachers will be deployed to the school by March 17, 2025.
By Kamau Njoroge
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