Let us re-think caning ban in schools, says MP
National Assembly Deputy Minority Whip Chris Wamalwa. He said that cases of indiscipline were on the rise in the country and caning should be re-introduced in schools as a form of punishment. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
More than 40 schools have been set ablaze in recent weeks, leading to indefinite closure of many.
- Dr Wamalwa differed with the Education ministry's proposal that all schools should have the same uniform.
Legislators are planning to introduce a bill in Parliament that aims at re-introducing corporal punishment following unrest in schools across the country.
More than 40 schools have been set ablaze in recent weeks, leading to indefinite closure of many.
National Assembly Deputy Minority Whip Chris Wamalwa said Members of Parliament (MPs) are thinking seriously about re-introducing caning as a disciplinary measure in schools to avert the escalating unrest.
Speaking on Tuesday at St Eliza’s Girls’ Secondary School Kabichbich, in West Pokot County, to mark the Catholic World Education Day, Dr Wamalwa said cases of indiscipline were on the rise in the country and caning should be re-introduced in schools as a form of punishment.
BURNING DORMITORIES
“These cases of burning dormitories in schools should come to an end and the only way of stopping it is by re-introducing caning in schools.
“When corporal punishment was there during our time, such cases were not there,” said the MP.
Dr Wamalwa, who is the Kiminini MP, attributed cases of burning schools to lack of discipline, adding that the vice can be eradicated by caning.
“Burning of schools is a criminal offence and those found should be treated as criminals and the law is very clear on what to do with such criminals.
“We don’t condone indiscipline in schools,” said Dr Wamalwa.
The MP differed with the Education ministry's proposal that all schools should have the same uniform.
ACCURATE INFORMATION
“How will you differentiate St Theresa’s girls from St Monica’s girls? I don’t think the proposal will pass in Parliament," he said.
The Director of Education in charge of secondary schools, Mr Paul Kibet, directed headteachers to ensure that they register their learners under the National Education Management Information System (Nemis).
Mr Kibet, who represented Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang at the function, said Nemis will help the ministry gather accurate information on learners in the various institutions.
He said such information will help the ministry in proper planning and budget allocation.
