Moi: House teachers within schools

Former President Daniel arap Moi has asked schools to house teachers within the institutions to improve education.

He said teachers living outside schools rarely concentrated on students' work as they were always distracted by other things in their neighbourhoods.

Moi, who was once a teacher, said many schools do not give the welfare of teachers the seriousness it deserves.

"Teachers' houses within the school compound is a matter of necessity because teachers cannot fully concentrate on their work if they live far away," he said.

Speaking at the official opening of teachers' quarters at the Moi Educational Centre in Nairobi yesterday, the former President observed that lack of houses for teachers was a problem that needed to be addressed if the standards of education were to improve.

Sixteen houses have been built at the centre and there are plans to build another 80. Five blocks will be put up every year.

He said the new houses would help teachers save time and use the opportunity to help the students with their class work.

"I am sure that the opening of the new teachers' quarters will motivate the teachers and pupils will attain even higher grades in the years ahead. Here at Moi Educational Centre, we have decided to deal with it (housing) as a matter of urgency," said Moi, the school's patron.

He said the centre would build a girls' boarding secondary school next year.

Philemon Chebii, the school principal, said most of their teachers wasted a lot of time in traffic jams in the morning and evening.

"When we have them (teachers) here, I am sure we will record more success. We will have enough time with our pupils in class and even during the extra-curricular activities," said Mr Chebii.