TSC issues stern warning to school heads over safety standards compliance

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has warned school heads against flouting directives on safety standards in their institutions.

In a circular dated September 13, 2024, TSC CEO Nancy Macharia expressed that a few school heads have failed to implement the provisions of the Safety Standards Manual for Schools, the key policy document governing the welfare of learners.

This is in line with the provisions of the Code of Regulations for Teachers and the Code of Conduct and Ethics.

Macharia added that some school heads have demonstrated laxity in enforcing compliance with the administrative circulars issued by the Government.

Subsequently, she directed them to enforce all the provisions of the manual and circulars issued without fail and enhance the supervision of learners to ensure all cases of learner indiscipline or unrest are promptly detected.

"The Commission shall take firm disciplinary action against those found to have flouted the guidelines stipulated in the Manual, in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Regulations for Teachers and the Code of Conduct and Ethics," said Macharia.

At the same time, she directed the school heads to engage law enforcement agencies in investigating cases of arson and indiscipline in schools with a view to recommending administrative and legal action to the perpetrators.

Heads of schools are also required to work with Ministry of Education field officers and the National Government Administration Officers to maintain safety standards in schools.

"To this end, together with the Deputy Heads of Institution and Senior Masters in charge of boarding programmes, you, are required to be vigilant and remain in school at all times to ensure learners safety," Macharia said. 

The TSC's warning comes just a week after a dormitory fire at Endarasha Hillside Academy claimed the lives of 21 male pupils. The cause of the inferno has yet to be established.