A disturbing trend is emerging in Kenya’s education sector where male teachers make up the overwhelming majority of those deregistered for misconduct, many for predatory behaviour toward learners.
Latest data from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) shows that out of 470 teachers struck off its register over the past five years, 90 percent (419) were male, compared to just five female teachers, with the remaining 46 not classified by gender.
In the most recent deregistration list, 32 of the 33 teachers removed from the TSC register were male underscoring a persistent pattern of predatory conduct in schools.
Section 30 of the Teachers Service Commission Act, 2012 empowers the Commission to publish the names, registration numbers and dates of removal of de-registered teachers to ensure the public is aware of individuals barred from teaching in any learning institution.
The TSC deregisters teachers on various grounds including immoral conduct, criminal convictions, fraud, and professional misconduct. However, sexual abuse of learners often referred to as carnal knowledge, particularly by male teachers, has increasingly become a leading cause.
This trend gained national attention following the Alliance Girls High School saga where a male teacher was recently accused of grooming and sexually abusing students over an unknown period.
Organising private dinners
The matter came to light after concerned alumni raised the alarm in an Africa Uncensored exposé, accusing the teacher of grooming students, organising private dinners and exploiting spiritual influence dating as far back as 2018.
Last week, former students staged a peaceful procession maintaining they would not relent until the perpetrator is brought to justice.
In response, Principal Secretary for Basic Education Julius Bitok called for the teacher’s immediate arrest and prosecution, reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual misconduct in schools.
High Court advocate Danstan Omari explained that if found culpable, the teacher could face serious charges under the Sexual Offences Act ranging from a minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.
“Section 24 of the Act addresses individuals in positions of authority over a child. In this case, the teacher had authority granted by his employer, the TSC, over learners. If it’s established that he made sexual advances by virtue of that authority, he faces a minimum of 10 years in prison,” said Mr Omari.
Section 26 considers whether the perpetrator transmitted sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, gonorrhoea, or syphilis. If proven, the sentence ranges from 15 years to life imprisonment.
“Section 27 states that if the suspect administered any stupefying substance with the intent to have sex with these girls without their consent, the minimum penalty is 10 years in prison,” Mr Omari added.
He said that the complainants must report the matter at a police station to enable the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to take statements, collect samples and gather evidence.
Once a report is filed, the suspect is summoned to record a statement. If evidence is found, he is arrested, charged in court, and potentially prosecuted.
“Being a civil servant under the TSC, the teacher is bound by the Code of Regulations which prohibits carnal knowledge of a minor or a student under one’s care. He or she will be interdicted, undergo disciplinary proceedings, and if found guilty, dismissed and permanently deregistered,” Mr Omari noted.
Conviction of any sexual offense in Kenya results in the offender’s name being added to a register maintained by the DCI and the Judiciary. This bars the offender from obtaining a certificate of good conduct or being employed anywhere.
Teacher unions have reacted strongly to both the TSC data and the Alliance Girls revelations, terming the situation unacceptable.
Kenya National Union of Teachers Deputy Secretary-General Hesbon Otieno admitted that most appeals they receive involve male teachers accused of sexual misconduct, some claiming to have been falsely accused.
Hesbon Otieno, deputy secretary-general of the Kenya National Union Teachers.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
“We have revisited some cases but in most instances, the TSC’s decision is upheld,” Mr Otieno said, noting that the union supports ongoing ethics and child-safety training for teachers.
Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers Secretary-General Akelo Misori reiterated the union's position.
“We do not condone any form of sexual immorality by teachers as they are entrusted with learners’ safety. While disciplinary action is the employer’s mandate, we only appeal when due process is overlooked,” Mr Misori said.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Secretary-General Akelo Misori.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (Kusnet) linked the misconduct trend to newly employed young teachers who carry indiscipline from college into the classroom.
Kusnet Secretary-General James Torome urged school heads to strengthen guidance and counselling for younger teachers, noting that CK cases are rarely reported among older and middle-aged educators.
“Let these teachers, especially the younger ones, familiarise themselves with the TSC Act and Code of Regulations so they understand how to conduct themselves professionally,” Mr Torome said.
