KUPPET raises alarm over safety of teachers in North Eastern region

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has raised alarm over rising insecurity targeting teachers in the North Eastern region, urging the government to take urgent measures as schools reopen for the second term.

KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori, in a press address on Tuesday, warned that teachers in Garissa County and the wider North Eastern region continue to face grave danger, both at their workstations and while travelling.

“As schools open for the second term of this academic year, we urge the government to take extra measures in assuring the security of teachers stationed in Garissa County and the larger North Eastern region,” Misori said.

The union also cautioned teachers returning from holidays to be vigilant, particularly those travelling along the Nairobi–Garissa Highway, which has seen multiple incidents of violence.

KUPPET revealed that several teachers have been caught up in the unrest, with some sustaining injuries while others were forced to abandon their journeys midway due to attacks.

The situation, according to the union, has been especially traumatic for some educators and their families. Misori cited cases where teachers were targeted in their homes, leaving lasting physical and psychological scars.

The KUPPET boss has now called for coordinated intervention by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and other State agencies to guarantee the safety of teachers in the volatile region.

“Given the serious physical, emotional and mental pain the teachers face and the multifaceted security challenges in the region, we urge the Teachers Service Commission to partner with other government agencies in assuring the security of teachers,” he said.

The union further warned against disciplinary action on teachers who may delay reporting back to their stations due to safety concerns.

“No teacher in North Eastern should be punished for exercising caution amid the growing insecurity in the region,” Misori added.

At the same time, KUPPET condemned what it termed as “senseless killings and human rights abuses” linked to the ongoing violence, calling for firm action against political leaders accused of fuelling tensions.

Separately, the union announced it will convene a two-day extraordinary meeting with the Social Health Authority (SHA) in Naivasha to address the ongoing crisis surrounding teachers’ medical scheme.

The meeting, which begins Wednesday, follows a memorandum of grievances submitted to the Head of Public Service. KUPPET said it will brief the country on the outcome on April 30, 2026.