Kuppet wants bar raised for admission to training colleges

KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori (left) flanked by Wang'apala Secondary school patron Sam Wakiaga during a press briefing in Kisumu on April 3 2016. The teachers' union wants the minimum qualifications for admission to teacher training colleges raised. (PHOTO: COLLINS ODUOR/ STANDARD)

A teachers' union wants the minimum qualifications for admission to teacher training colleges raised.

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) said move would ensure schools have competent teachers.

Kuppet Secretary General Akello Misori said as much as the Government is reforming the education sector, the teacher component should not be overlooked as it is very crucial.

He said there was need for competent and creative teachers to achieve the proposed reforms in education.

Mr Misori said teachers were key players in achieving the key reforms in the education sector, but this cannot be achieved if those who go for training in tutoring are those who scored lower grades in the national examinations.

"If you are taking candidates who have wanting qualifications in sciences and other subjects, it is killing the education sector. We need the best of the best in the sector to steer reforms," said Misori.

He said that having stronger candidates in teacher training colleges would ensure graduates from the institution are thoroughly prepared.

Misori was speaking during the launch of the Wang'apala Old Boys Association at a hotel in Kisumu.