Homa bay: School heads in the Nyanza Region have been encouraged to familiarize themselves with legal guidelines pertinent to managing educational institutions to ensure effective resource utilization. The Director of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, Professor Charles Ongondo, emphasized the necessity for school managers to stay informed about the evolving best practices in school administration.
According to Kenya News Agency, Professor Ongondo highlighted the importance of engaging with legal instruments to prevent the mismanagement of public resources and avoid subsequent disciplinary actions. Speaking at the Kenya Comprehensive School Heads Association (KECSHA) Nyanza Regional Annual General Meeting held at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, Professor Ongondo addressed headteachers from Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, and Nyamira counties.
Professor Ongondo pointed out that crucial legal instruments include the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the Public Finance Management Act, and the Public Procurement and Assets Disposal Act. He noted that a thorough understanding of these instruments would safeguard headteachers against legal challenges arising from infractions, emphasizing the necessity for school managers to comprehend the principles of managing public institutions.
‘Headteachers are managers and they must always have the constitutional instruments on their tables,’ Professor Ongondo stated. He warned that a lack of understanding could lead to legal suits, potentially jeopardizing their positions. ‘We don’t want the government to suffer financial losses through legal suits or misappropriation of capitation funds because some headteachers did not understand the legal framework in which they should operate,’ he added.
Professor Ongondo also addressed the issue of extortion, asserting that knowledge of legal instruments would empower headteachers to understand their rights and responsibilities, thereby protecting them from extortionist activities.
In addition, the KICD Director assured that the government is committed to providing textbooks to all junior and senior schools to ensure the effective implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE). He urged senior school headteachers to submit their requisition to secure adequate textbooks for grade ten learners.
Elly Ondiek, KECSHA Nyanza Regional Chairman, expressed concerns about security issues, including break-ins and theft in schools. He called on the government to enhance security measures and encouraged all education stakeholders to collaborate for the successful implementation of CBE. ‘We appeal to stakeholders, including legislators and sectoral players, to join hands with us in promoting learning in our schools,’ Ondiek said.
Furthermore, Salmon Otina, Chairman of the Special School Heads Association in Nyanza, urged parents to ensure that children with special needs are enrolled in school. ‘I urge parents to stop hiding their disabled children at home, but instead they should take them to school,’ Dr. Otina stated.
