Busia, Kenya| The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has called for the establishment of clear guidelines to ensure that only registered teachers oversee and manage curriculum and co-curricular activities in schools.
This comes in the wake of a national debate sparked by the controversial play Echoes of War, authored by former UDA Secretary General and ex-Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.
Speaking during the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) Western Regional Conference in Busia on Friday, KUPPET National Chairman Omboko Milemba emphasized the need for the Ministry of Education, Parliament, and other key stakeholders to clearly define the roles and responsibilities concerning school-based activities such as games, drama, and music.
“We are urging the Ministry of Education, Parliament, and all education stakeholders to provide proper direction on who should be in charge of school games, drama, music, and other co-curricular activities,” Milemba said.
“These should be strictly under the management of qualified, registered teachers.”
Milemba, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Emuhaya Constituency, cautioned against the politicization of school activities, especially involving learners.
He criticized the use of students in political agendas, asserting that schools should remain apolitical spaces focused on nurturing talent and academic excellence.
“Students are apolitical; they should not be dragged into our political issues. Let us keep our schools and curriculum free from political influence,” he added.
The chairman particularly took issue with the recent controversy surrounding Echoes of War, a play that was scheduled to be staged by Butere Girls High School during the 63rd edition of the Kenya National Schools and Colleges Music and Drama Festival in Nakuru County.
The play, reportedly written and directed by Malala, was initially banned by the government for allegedly carrying politically charged content. However, the ban was overturned by the High Court.
Despite the court’s ruling, the performance did not proceed. Students from Butere Girls took to the stage only to sing the national anthem before walking off, demanding the release of Malala, who had been detained by authorities over the incident.
The protest ended in chaos after the students were dispersed with tear gas, prompting public backlash against the government over allegations of censorship and suppression of artistic expression in schools.
Milemba argued that while creativity in scripting and playwriting can come from outside the teaching profession, the actual direction and performance within the school context must be strictly handled by trained educators to maintain discipline and professionalism.
“While anyone can write a play, implementation within schools must be done by teachers who understand the education framework and the sensitivities around learners,” he insisted.
He further revealed that Members of Parliament are working on amending the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Act to ensure the inclusion of teacher representation within the Commission.
“We’re pushing for reforms to allow for the representation of teachers in the TSC. Just like other commissions have stakeholder input, we want teachers to have a voice in decision-making processes that affect their welfare,” said Milemba.
Commending the government for the recruitment of 76,000 teachers in recent years, Milemba made a passionate appeal for the employment of P1 teachers who graduated between 2011 and 2015, a group that has long awaited formal absorption into the public service.
Busia County KUPPET Secretary General, Moffat Okisai, echoed Milemba’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of insulating the education sector from political interference and maintaining professionalism in the management of school events.
“We must not politicize our education. The issue surrounding Echoes of War should be thoroughly addressed to prevent unnecessary tension in our schools. Our learners should not be used as pawns in political battles,” Okisai remarked.
He also reiterated KUPPET’s commitment to safeguarding teachers against intimidation, especially in light of rising concerns over censorship and the politicization of educational spaces.
“There should be no form of intimidation within the education sector. We must strive for a balanced approach in what is presented for public consumption, especially through arts and culture,” he said.
The uproar over Echoes of War continues to raise important questions about artistic freedom, political influence, and the role of educators in managing student engagement with national discourse.
As the second academic term approaches, education stakeholders will be under pressure to ensure stability and clarity within schools, particularly concerning co-curricular activities.
