Teachers concerned Bungoma insecurity could affect performance

By FAITH RONOH

Bungoma, Kenya: Secondary school heads from Bungoma County have expressed fear that the recent wave of violence in the region may affect performance in this year’s national exams.

They said the wave of violence have derailed learning programmes in some institutions as teachers and students feared for their lives.

The heads noted that the scrapping of evening tuition in most day schools will have dire consequences in the student’s performance since it cuts down on their revision times.

The principals spoke during the official closing ceremony of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) conference for Bungoma chapter held in Eldoret town.

Keya Sabwani, the branch chairman, said there is need for relevant authorities to take action as soon as possible to avert any further tension in the region.

“As I speak, students attending day schools stopped their evening preps due to the attacks by suspected criminals. This could disadvantage them and contribute negatively to their final results,” said Sabwani.

While noting a drop in last year’s performance in the region, Sabwani, on behalf of the school heads said the current wave of insecurity could worsen the results.

Bungoma County was ranked at position 24 among the 47 Counties in the country with some established institutions in the region recording a drop in the national examinations.

Sabwani said the government should promptly restore security to ensure students resume normal learning in all schools.

Bungoma County has recently witnessed gang attacks that have left more than ten people dead and several others injured.

The government has since assured residents of their security as they continue posting more personnel in the region to beef up security.

Over 500 suspects linked to the attacks have so far been arrested and investigations are under way to prosecute those involved in the killings.