In a strong stance aimed at reinforcing student safety and upholding professional standards in schools, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has cautioned school heads against breaching regulatory frameworks by involving unqualified individuals in student programs.
The directive follows an incident at Butere Girls High School, where former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala, who is not a registered teacher, was reportedly engaged by the school to coach students for a drama performance. The move has sparked national conversation about who should be allowed to directly engage with learners in school settings.
Addressing the press on Friday morning, CS Ogamba emphasized the importance of protecting students by ensuring that only qualified, vetted personnel interact with them during both academic and co-curricular activities. “The Ministry wishes to inform principals who invite non-teachers to their schools to train learners in co-curricular activities that they are in contravention of the TSC regulations as well as the rules and regulations for the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival,” he stated.
Ogamba cited the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Act of 2018, which explicitly prohibits schools from incorporating individuals not registered as teachers including those previously struck off the teaching register into their programs. He further called on all teaching staff to remain aligned with the TSC Code of Conduct and Ethics (2015), which prioritizes professionalism and the safeguarding of learners.
“This is not merely a compliance issue. It’s about ensuring that those who engage with our students are trained, accountable, and bound by the same professional and ethical standards as the rest of the teaching staff,” Ogamba added.
As drama festivals and other school events continue to serve as vital platforms for student development, the Ministry’s firm position underscores a broader commitment: that excellence in co-curricular activities must not come at the cost of student protection and institutional integrity.
