Teachers ordered to keep off parents polls

The Education ministry has agreed to keep off elections of a parents association, days after the High Court stopped the government from interfering with the polls.

In a circular sent to county directors of education and all teachers, Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang said the ministry had rescinded an earlier decision instructing the officials to conduct and supervise the elections.

On September 18, the High Court in Nairobi gave temporary orders restraining the ministry from interfering with the Kenya National Parents Association’s right to conduct and supervise elections.

“This is therefore to inform you that our earlier instructions are hereby revoked forthwith and the elections undertaken under the said guidelines nullified,” said Dr Kipsang in the letter dated September 19.

The letter was also copied to the association and Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi. The association’s secretary-general, Mr Musau Ndunda welcomed the letter and accused the ministry of having a hidden agenda.

“The ministry wants to create another association which they can control. They are not happy with our opposition to fee increases,” he said.