Teachers who abscond work to participate in political activities will be punished, their employer has warned.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has warned the 305,000 teachers against skipping work or undertaking any roles that compromise their work performance and their standing in the teaching profession.
“The legal requirements calling for political neutrality must be observed, hence all teachers must avoid any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest with their performance at work,” said TSC chief executive Nancy Macharia in a circular all education officials and teachers dated June 7.
“Activities relating to the General Election, the performance of teaching duties at all learning institutions should not be impeded by political climate prevailing in the country at the moment.”
The more than 30,000 schools have until August 4 to close and pave the way for the August 8 General Election with the opening date for term three set for August 24.
Ms Macharia directed school heads to ensure that during the campaigns there is no interruption of learning activities.
“Breach of the foregoing directions will result into disciplinary action under the code of regulations for teachers,” warned Mrs Macharia.
Schools will be used as polling stations or tallying centres and school heads are under instruction to safeguard and protect properties from would-be law breakers.
Last month, the government stopped the use of institutional facilities and equipment for political purposes.
Education Principal Secretary Bellio Kipsang also stopped hiring of school buses and facilities by anyone other than public institutions unless with the concurrence of the Sub-county Director of Education.
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