Teachers In North Eastern Demand Firearms and Paramilitary Training
Teachers in North Eastern Kenya are requesting paramilitary training, similar to that of the National Youth Service and Recce Squad, without changing the original text’s length. These teachers, based in Isiolo, believe that training in close combat, weapon proficiency, and tactical skills would help them address the pervasive insecurity in their region.
At the annual general meeting of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Isiolo, these requests were raised. Gilbert Wafula, the chairperson of KUPPET’s Isiolo branch, argued that the police had failed to provide adequate security despite continuous complaints and tragic incidents resulting in the loss of colleagues’ lives. He also accused the police of prioritizing their own safety during attacks.
Wafula insisted, “It is true that we have some areas in Isiolo that are susceptible to insecurity, including Oldonyiro, Merti, Sericho, and Garbatula. We are urging the government to support teachers by providing them with firearms to ensure their safety while performing their duties. We are steadfast in our demand that the government must supply firearms to teachers to enhance their security.” Other KUPPET officials in Isiolo echoed these sentiments.
Some officials also called for training by the special forces, specifically the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). However, it remains unclear whether they have presented their petition to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the Ministry of Interior, or Parliament.
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The teachers did not outline how they would incorporate this training into their curriculum but argued that enabling teachers to protect themselves would serve as an incentive for them to work in North Eastern regions.
In September 2023, numerous teachers in North Eastern Kenya opposed assignments to insecure areas and protested outside the TSC headquarters in Nairobi, demanding transfers to more secure regions.
The teachers emphasized their primary demand for transfers and their unwillingness to rely continually on military escorts, citing the ongoing presence of armed forces behind their buses, which exposed them to potential risks.
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki responded to the teacher crisis in the North Eastern region by urging TSC to provide non-local teachers with short-term contracts when posting them to these areas. During his appearance before the National Assembly Education Committee on August 2, Kindiki acknowledged the escalating insecurity in the region and stated that his ministry was actively working on an operation to restore normalcy.
Teachers In North Eastern Demand Firearms and Paramilitary Training
