Kaimenyi, Sossion clash at hearing

From left: Teachers Service Commission Chairperson Lydia Nzomo, Cabinet Secretary for Education Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi and Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Wilson Sossion when they appeared before Nation Assembly select committee on Delegated legislation on July 2, 2015. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mr Sossion had claimed Prof Kaimenyi did not invite key stakeholders to important meetings and pointed out that some, like Kuppet, were not represented.
  • Mr Sossion and Prof Nzomo seemed to agree on the contentious sections of the Basic Education Regulations Act that needed to be changed to trim some of the wide ranging powers given to the Education minister in the final document.
  • Prof Nzomo agreed with Mr Sossion, saying there would be confusion if a headteacher were to be answerable or “get three appointment letters” from the Cabinet secretary, employer and school board.

Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi and Knut Secretary-General Wilson Sossion on Thursday clashed before a parliamentary committee.

The two appeared ill at ease as they sat next to each other, on one of the rare occasions they have been this close in public, to answer questions on the Basic Education Regulations Act.

And as expected, sharp differences regarding their mandates soon emerged, with Prof Kaimenyi demanding protection from Delegated Legislation Committee Chairman William Cheptumo against attacks by Mr Sossion.

“I am asking for your protection. No personal attacks here please,” said the CS.

Mr Sossion had claimed Prof Kaimenyi did not invite key stakeholders to important meetings and pointed out that some, like Kuppet, were not represented.

Mr Cheptumo, however, said it was the National Assembly that had invited those in attendance, including TSC Chairperson Lydia Nzomo and Kenya National Parents Association Chairman Musau Ndunda, among others.

Mr Sossion and Prof Nzomo seemed to agree on the contentious sections of the Basic Education Regulations Act that needed to be changed to trim some of the wide ranging powers given to the Education minister in the final document.

The Knut boss said giving the minister powers to sack a headteacher was unconstitutional as it would interfere with the employer-employee relationship.

“The CS has the board of management under his control and the headteacher, who is a secretary to the board, is a mere guest. It would be unconstitutional for the minister to discipline a school head,” said Mr Sossion.

Prof Nzomo agreed with Mr Sossion, saying there would be confusion if a headteacher were to be answerable or “get three appointment letters” from the Cabinet secretary, employer and school board.

Prof Kaimenyi had earlier said the existing law gives him powers to oversee the running of schools and implementation of the education policy, including supervision of headteachers as accounting officers. But Knut and the teachers’ employer sought to restrict his role to the school board that he appoints.

The TSC also opposed a provision that the board of management handle school funds, saying headteachers were responsible for day-to-day operations, including funds.

Mukurwe-ini MP Kabando wa Kabando accused some stakeholders of opposing decisions in public that they helped to draft.

“I have seen stakeholders turn around and oppose the report they helped to draft and for which they were paid allowances, creating confusion,” he said.

Prof Kaimenyi confirmed that some of those opposing some clauses had been consulted.

Knut, however, said the four meetings the CS called had collapsed and claimed the Education ministry team far outnumbered other stakeholders.