By Augustine Oduor
Secondary school teachers have called for investigation into a training programme aimed at boosting the capacity of science and mathematics teachers in public schools.
They expressed fears that millions of shillings could be going to waste under the Strengthening of Mathematics and Science in Secondary Education (SMasse) programme, as its main objective remains a mirage.
At the centre of controversy are unclear management structures, lack of a proper training curriculum, poor accommodation for teachers, and awarding of certificates that do not earn merit.
Teachers Service Commission Secretary Gabriel Longoiboni admitted that the commission does not recognise the certificates.
"During promotion interviews they are an added advantage but do not guarantee salary increment or promotion," he said.
As a result, several teachers in Western, Central and Eastern provinces have walked out of the training centres this month terming the programme a waste of time.
The Government project launched in 1999 in partnership with Japan International Co-operation Agency set concept of "lesson improvement" to better results in these subjects.
Education PS James ole Kiyiapi said out of the Sh10,265 sent to schools per child, Sh200 is dedicated to the programme.
With about 1.6 million students in public school, the Government remits about Sh320 million yearly.
Boycott
A letter to Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) secretary general, Njeru Kanyamba, and seen by The Standard reveal anger and frustrations of teachers in Bungoma County with the programme.
"It has become clear Smasse is not achieving its noble objectives. It has become a cash cow for a few individuals involved in its administration," read the letter in part. The note by Kuppet Bungoma County Executive Secretary, Augustine Luketelo, is copied to Education PS, Provincial Director of Education, TSC Secretary and Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission Director.
Consequently, Kuppet has called for a countrywide boycott of the programme by all teachers until a thorough audit is done.
"We ask the Efficiency Monitoring Unit and Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the misappropriation of funds under this project. It has become a major cash cow in the district," said Mr Kanyamba.
The PS, however, challenged teachers to avail information on financial misappropriation for necessary action. Kanyamba said the fund does not have proper accountability structures.
"We want to know who does what and at what point. We want the fund put under control and all management levels put to account," he said. Kanyamba also said the programme should be redesigned to motivate teachers.W
