The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has sounded the alarm over the safety of 150 Kenyan teacher trainees currently stranded in Tanzania amid the escalating political unrest. According to KUPPET Secretary-General Akelo Misori, the lives of these young educators are in grave danger, with reports of death threats, violence, and loss of life among some of the trainees.
In a strongly worded statement on issued on Friday 7th 2025, Misori revealed that several Kenyan trainees have experienced severe disruptions to their studies due to the turmoil, while others are living in constant fear following targeted attacks and threats from armed groups involved in the ongoing crisis.
“We have received disturbing reports indicating that some of our trainees have been attacked, others have received death threats, and a few have tragically lost their lives,” Misori stated. “This is a humanitarian emergency that requires immediate government intervention.”
KUPPET is urging the Kenyan government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to act swiftly and coordinate with Tanzanian authorities to repatriate all affected trainees. The union emphasized that the safety and welfare of Kenyan citizens abroad must be treated as a top national priority, especially in countries facing political instability.
The situation in Tanzania has reportedly deteriorated over the past few weeks following disputed political events that have triggered widespread protests and violent clashes in several regions. Many universities and colleges have shut down temporarily, leaving foreign students, including Kenyans, stranded with limited access to transport, communication, and basic needs.
Misori noted that KUPPET has been in contact with some of the stranded trainees, who described a grim reality of uncertainty and fear. He further warned that the union will not stand by as Kenyan lives are put at risk.
“We are appealing to the Kenyan Embassy in Dar es Salaam and the Ministry of Education to immediately assess the situation on the ground and facilitate safe evacuation,” Misori added. “Every minute counts when lives are at stake.”
KUPPET also called on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the government to provide psychological support and financial assistance to the affected trainees once they return home. The union reiterated its commitment to ensuring that no Kenyan teacher or trainee suffers due to international neglect or bureaucratic delays.
As tensions continue to rise in Tanzania, KUPPET’s urgent appeal has sparked nationwide concern, with Kenyans on social media demanding immediate action from the government to rescue the stranded trainees before the situation worsens.
