Don't force students to repeat classes, teachers warned

Headteachers forcing pupils with low grades to repeat classes in Mbeere North have been warned not to hold students back. 

Subcounty director of education Joseph Njeru said there has been a trend of forcing pupils to repeat classes so the school mean grade can remain high.

He said some pupils remain in primary schools for so long and by the time they are sitting their KCPE exams, they are already 20 years old. 

“The government has banned repetition. This is a problem that we have been facing here in Mbeere North. You find a learner being forced to repeat more than five times,” Njeru said. He spoke during an education function in Nthawa, Siakago. 

Njeru said any school head found forcing students to repeat classes will be punished. 

The educationist said every student should be given a chance to sit KCPE and KCSE exams.

If a student does not qualify to join university, Njeru said, he or she should be helped to join a technical training institution. 

He praised MP Muriuki Njagagua for lobbying for the establishment of the new Siakago Technical and Vocational Training college at Kabachi Village.

Njeru also advised girls who dropped out of schools because of unwanted pregnancies to go back and continue with their education.

He said these girls should be supported by their parents to complete their studies.

Njeru said his department and that of Interior Administration have ensured that 99 per cent of children are in school. He urged parents to cooperate and take their children to school.

Njeru said area MP and ward representatives have not interfered with the management of education in the subcounty.