Teachers Warned Against Engaging In Partisan Politics.
Yesterday, June 24, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and his Education counterpart George Magoha warned police and teachers against engaging in partisan politics.
They claimed that police officers and teachers are civil servants who should not be seen to be involved in petty politics aimed at causing discord.
Prof Magoha dismissed an Auditor General report that said millions of dollars intended for desks and lockers could not be accounted for.
Dr. Matiang’i and Prof. Magoha spoke in Kisii County, where they laid the groundwork for the reconstruction of Nyaura Primary School, which will cost Sh50 million.
Gusii Professionals Association, whose patron is the Education CS, raised the funds earlier this year.
The idea came from Health Principal Secretary Susan Mochache, who lives near the school. She complained about the school’s poor condition.
The event was attended by outgoing Dagoretti North MP and Kisii governorship candidate Simba Arati, Senate candidate and outgoing Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka, and Nyaribari Chache MP Richard Tong’i.
Dr Matiang’i and Prof Magoha then went to Nyansiongo Boys in Nyamira County to lead a fundraiser for a dormitory project.
The Interior CS warned police not to provide security for criminals disguised as politicians, saying he will do everything in his power to protect the National Police Service’s dignity.
Prof Magoha stated that as long as he is the Minister of Education, staff and teachers will not engage in “partisan politics” under his supervision.
According to the audit report, he stated that the ministry delivered all of the desks and requested that the auditor visit schools to see the “good job” done.
“When the auditor says there was no value for money and that Sh10 million was used in uncountable circumstances, did they want me to use a bicycle, or my officers to go and check and confirm that the desks were delivered?” he asked.
Auditor General Nancy Gathungu questioned the Sh2 billion procurement of computers and desks for the competency-based curriculum. In a report presented to the National Assembly, she accused the State Department of Early Learning and Basic Education of breaking the law.
Sh1.9 billion of the Sh2 billion was intended for the supply of 70 desks and 50 lockers to primary and secondary schools, respectively, in order to adhere to health protocols on social distancing due to Covid-19.
The move was also intended to stimulate the economy by providing jobs for local artisans, while Sh199.9 million was paid to a firm for the supply and delivery of 2,040 computers to 200 secondary schools across the country.
Ms Gathungu also chastised officials who were paid Sh10.2 million as subsistence allowance from the money in relation to desks.
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Prof Magoha expressed his delight that politicians are finally acknowledging that the CBC is here to stay, noting that its success is a collective responsibility.
“You can play with other dockets but not with children. They are alive.”
Teachers Warned Against Engaging In Partisan Politics
