KNUT to state: Arm teachers or provide secure transit in Lamu East

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has now told the government to either arm teachers stationed in volatile areas of Lamu East or ensure secure transportation to schools.

KNUT said members can only agree to work where their security is guaranteed.

“Teachers are ready to go back to classrooms but what we are insisting on is that their concerns and welfare must be fully addressed first,” Union's first Vice National Chairman Malel Langat said.

Malel noted that with rampant insecurity linked to terrorist activities in the Boni forest, teachers continue to face daily threats that hinder their ability to report to work.

He emphasised that without adequate protection or reliable transport, the teachers are left vulnerable and unable to fulfill their roles effectively.

Speaking during Lamu branch AGM, Malel also warned some politicians from the area against issuing unwarranted intimidation to the teachers.

“If there is no conducive environment here, teachers will not deliver on their mandate. So, it is high time the government and the local leaders stop threats and intimidation, we are going to resist it,” he noted.

He argued that lack of security is compromising not only the safety of teachers but also the future of students in these regions.

The government, he said, should change its tact in the fight against insecurity in Boni by providing guns to the teachers.

He cited the US where he argued about half of the states allow teachers or other school employees to carry firearms on school grounds.

“Teachers posted to this area should be provided with basic paramilitary training and armed,” he remarked.

The plea comes after several incidents where teachers are attacked.

Malel also faulted the state for allegedly making false promises to the teachers who agreed to work in the area.

The government, according to the union had earlier promised to avail the KDF choppers to be used for transport of teachers to their schools but was withdrawn.

This followed the reopening of the schools specifically in Basuba Ward that had been closed and converted into military camps due to the resurgence of al-Shabab militants.

“No teacher was ready to go back but the government gave false promises that they will be promoted to administrative positions once they accept to be posted to these schools,” he said.

Area MP Ruweida Obo said the use of choppers was unsustainable.

“The use of choppers can be used but it cannot be on a daily basis. Let us not lie to ourselves, this is not sustainable,” she said during a visit to the area to asses the situation.