By Wilson Sossion, Former KNUT Secretary General
As a country, we must not allow emotions, political loyalty, or personal sympathies to cloud our collective responsibility—especially when it comes to the welfare, safety, and education of our children.
The recent incident involving Malala, a prominent playwright, has stirred public debate after it was reported that he was found at Kirobon Girls High School at night, allegedly in the process of directing a school play. While some have rushed to defend him based on his creative contributions to the arts, we must not lose sight of a critical fact: Malala is not a registered teacher.
Our schools are not public stages open to anyone who wishes to experiment with young minds. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) exists precisely to safeguard the quality and professionalism of education in Kenya. No individual—no matter how gifted or celebrated—should be allowed to engage students in any instructional, supervisory, or extracurricular capacity unless they are duly registered and vetted.
The law is clear on this. Under the TSC Act, no person shall engage in teaching or offer education services to learners in any capacity without registration. This includes activities like drama, music, and co-curricular programs, which are extensions of the learning environment.
Let us ask the hard questions:
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Who authorized Malala's presence at Kirobon Girls at night?
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Was due process followed?
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Are our school gates open to any individual without verification of their credentials or moral standing?
We cannot—and must not—sacrifice the safety and standards of our institutions on the altar of fame or political convenience.
This issue goes beyond one individual. It speaks to a worrying trend where schools are increasingly being infiltrated by unqualified persons under the guise of mentorship or artistic contribution. We welcome creative minds into our schools—but only if they respect the law, are professionally accredited, and operate under the guidance of trained educators.
As former KNUT Secretary General, I strongly urge the Ministry of Education to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this case. Headteachers and Boards of Management must also be reminded of their obligation to uphold TSC regulations without compromise.
We are not against talent. We are not against progress. But we are fiercely protective of our learners, and we demand that every adult granted access to a school environment be held to the highest ethical and professional standards.
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