TSC issues warning on contracting non teachers in cocurricular activities

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has refuted claims about the transfer of the principal of Butere Girls High School, amidst escalating controversy regarding the school’s drama production, Echoes of War.

Wilson Koros, the TSC Director for Kakamega County, spoke to The Standard by phone and acknowledged the rumors circulating online, but clarified that no transfer has taken place.

“There has been no official communication about any transfer of the Butere Girls principal. I have seen the reports online, but they are false,” Koros stated.

He added, “I am currently in Naivasha for training with my regional director, and I have not authorized any such claims. There is nothing even remotely related to that.”

This statement follows strong criticism from Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, who condemned the school’s administration for violating national regulations by allowing a non-teacher to direct the play.

In a press release issued on Thursday, Ogamba pointed out that the school’s choice to hire former UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala as the director of the play violated Section 9.0 Note C of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival (KNDFF) guidelines, which state that only TSC-registered teachers or qualified lecturers from recognized post-secondary institutions can train or direct student performances.

“We cannot permit individuals to manipulate school children against authority. Political disputes should be settled by politicians outside educational settings,” Ogamba remarked.

He also cautioned school principals against ignoring TSC regulations in co-curricular activities, emphasizing that such actions compromise professionalism and expose students to inappropriate influences.

Ogamba mentioned a potential violation of Regulation (x) of the drama and film festival rules, which prohibits hate speech or derogatory content aimed at individuals, communities, or genders, whether performed on stage or shared online.

He criticized the Butere Girls administration for not adhering to the TSC Code of Conduct and Ethics (2015), which requires maintaining clear professional boundaries and safeguarding students from unauthorized individuals.

Despite the ongoing controversy, Ogamba reiterated the Ministry of Education’s dedication to fostering student talent through co-curricular programs, while stressing the importance of strict compliance with established guidelines.

The play Echoes of War, directed by Malala, has become a focal point of national debate following its reinstatement in the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival.

Meanwhile, the Commission has warned schools against engaging non teachers in cocurricular activities.

“Persons not registered as teachers (including whose names have been removed from the register of teachers) should not be incorporated in the school programmes (including co-curricular activities) to teach, handle, manage, coach, supervise and or assist in the teaching,handling, managing, coaching, supervision of pupils/learners. Cleophas Malalah holds no official authorization to engage with or represent students in any capacity” says TSC Boss Dr. Nancy Macharia.