Meru, Kenya – September 2024 — A shocking incident took place at a school in Meru County when a Board of Management (BOM) teacher, enraged by months of unpaid wages, resorted to drastic measures to recover his dues. The teacher, whose identity remains undisclosed, had reportedly gone three months without receiving his salary. In a dramatic confrontation, the teacher physically assaulted the school head, marched into the cashier’s office, took his arrears from the fees drawer, and walked out of the institution’s compound.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident unfolded early on Tuesday morning. The teacher, who had been employed under the BOM program, approached the school head demanding his unpaid wages. When his requests were met with no satisfactory explanation, tensions escalated, leading to a violent altercation. The teacher allegedly struck the headteacher in a fit of rage before storming into the cashier’s office.
Once inside the office, the teacher is said to have directly accessed the school’s fee collection drawer, where money from recently paid student fees was stored. He took an amount equivalent to the salary arrears owed to him and exited the school premises without further incident.
The assault left the school staff and students in shock. “We couldn’t believe what was happening. It’s not something you see every day in a school,” one staff member said under the condition of anonymity. Another added, “It’s a sign of the frustration that BOM teachers face due to delayed payments.”
Chronic Delays in Payment
This incident has brought to light the ongoing challenges faced by BOM teachers across Kenya, particularly in rural areas like Meru County. Many of these teachers, who are not fully employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), often face months-long delays in receiving their salaries. Unlike their TSC counterparts, BOM teachers rely on funds collected directly from school fees, which are subject to the financial state of the institution.
The delay in payment has been a recurring issue for BOM teachers, with many lamenting the lack of financial security in their roles. Teachers unions such as the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) have continuously called on the Ministry of Education and school management boards to streamline payments for BOM teachers to avoid such grievances.
Legal Ramifications
The incident has raised serious legal concerns. The school management has since reported the assault to local authorities, and investigations are currently underway. The teacher could potentially face charges of assault and theft, although it remains to be seen whether the school will pursue the matter given the underlying issues of non-payment.
Education stakeholders are now urging the government to address the root causes of the frustrations faced by BOM teachers. The incident underscores the urgency of ensuring that all teachers, regardless of their employment status, are paid their dues in a timely manner to avoid further confrontations that disrupt the learning environment.
Conclusion
This alarming situation at a Meru school serves as a reminder of the financial struggles faced by BOM teachers in Kenya. While the assault and subsequent actions of the teacher are inexcusable, it points to a larger systemic problem that requires immediate attention from education authorities. As the investigation continues, the spotlight remains on ensuring timely and adequate payment for all educators across the country.
