Parents and teachers from across the country have supported the drive to reintroduce caning in schools as a way to curb the rising student unrest.
National Parents Association Chairman Nicholas Maiyo stated that caning would help in restoring discipline among learners, but noted that the government should install guidelines in enforcing the measure.
He also noted that some teachers may injure students in the process of caning if the proper guidelines are not put in place.
The parents also showed support for Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha's proposal to scrap boarding schools in the country.
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"Not everyone can administer the cane. We want a trained person to do it because teachers can be careless at times and may cause harm,” Maiyo told a local daily.
He also stated that schools should summon parents of errant students and have them cane their children in school.
Kenya Secondary School Heads Associations (KESSHA) chairperson, Kahi Indimuli also called on the Ministry of Education to lay down proper guidelines before reintroducing caning.
He noted that there are a number of factors that need to be addressed in order to curb the unrest in schools. He mentioned discipline, funding, among others.
The subject of reintroducing caning was made public in January 2021 and has elicited mixed reactions among members of the public.
While a section supports the idea, others have remained opposed to it.
Former Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary-General Wilson Sossion has urged parents to reject the proposal. Instead, he advised that police officers be employed to cane the students.
