Saturday September 2, 2023
NAIROBI, (HOL) - Today, 300 Kenyan teachers converged at Nairobi's Teachers Service Commission headquarters, voicing concerns over being stationed in Mandera, Garissa, and Wajir—northeastern counties grappling with heightened security threats.
The teachers cited ongoing threats and attacks, predominantly from the Al-Shabaab militant group, as a significant source of their apprehensions.
Speaking for the group, Nathaniel Kiplagat stated, "Many teachers are traumatized by their experiences. It's increasingly difficult to meet our duties under such conditions. The idea of returning to Mandera is unsettling for many."
Recent incidents in Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa have exacerbated these concerns. The growing unrest, mainly attributed to Al-Shabaab, is a pivotal concern for these educators.
Jafan Kitui, a faculty member at Al Huda Middle School in Mandera, highlighted the dire security landscape, urging immediate intervention. He emphasized the need for both President Ruto and Internal Affairs Minister Kindiki to intensify security in Mandera.
In January 2023, a large-scale relocation saw over 14,000 teachers moved across Kenyan counties to streamline staffing. Despite these efforts, Kenya's northeastern region remains plagued by security challenges, particularly from Al-Shabaab, posing concerns for its educators.