The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
Butere Girls arriving at Melvin Jones Academy in Nakuru. [Julius Kipsang, Standard]
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has criticised the administration of Butere Girls High School for breaching national regulations by allowing a non-teacher to direct a school drama production.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, Ogamba said the school contravened Section 9.0 Note C of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival (KNDFF) guidelines, which stipulate that only teachers registered with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) or qualified lecturers from registered post-secondary institutions are permitted to train or direct student performances.
The controversy surrounds the play Echoes of War, which was directed by former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala.
Ogamba emphasized that Malala’s involvement was in direct violation of the festival rules.
“We cannot allow people to weaponise school children against authority. Let political wars be fought by politicians outside of learning environments,” Ogamba said.
The CS further warned school principals against bypassing TSC regulations by engaging non-teachers to train students in co-curricular activities, stating that such actions undermine professionalism and expose learners to undue influence.
Ogamba also noted that Echoes of War appeared to breach Regulation (x) of the drama and film festival rules, which prohibits hate speech or derogatory statements targeting individuals, communities, or genders, whether performed on stage or posted online.
He criticised the Butere Girls School administration for failing to uphold the TSC Code of Conduct and Ethics (2015), which emphasizes the importance of professional boundaries and the protection of learners.
“Teachers are responsible for safeguarding learners, which includes ensuring that only authorised individuals interact with them in educational contexts,” he said.
Despite the incident, the Education CS reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to nurturing student talent through a wide range of co-curricular activities within the school system.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join