Teachers in Matungu Sub-County used World Teachers’ Day celebrations to reflect on the gains made in the education sector, with their leader, Godfrey Mathwa, urging educators to take pride in the progress achieved while continuing to champion better learning outcomes.
Speaking at Ejinja Comprehensive School during the celebrations, Mathwa, the Kenya Comprehensive Schools Heads Association (KECSHA) Matungu Sub-County chairperson, commended the Government, Ministry of Education and Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for reforms that he said had significantly improved the welfare of teachers and the running of schools.
He singled out the timely payment of teachers’ salaries as one of the most significant achievements, saying the situation was markedly different from the past when teachers could wait for weeks before receiving their pay.
“It used to take us about one and a half months for us to get our salaries, but I am glad that by the 22nd of every month, teachers get paid,” Mathwa said.
He said timely salaries had not only restored confidence among teachers but had also enabled them to plan their personal and family finances better.
Mathwa also welcomed the release of government capitation to schools, acknowledging that the funds were sometimes inadequate but insisting that they remained crucial in keeping institutions running.
“Even though the capitation is small, it goes a long way in putting things right in our learning institutions,” he said.
The KECSHA official further pointed to improved discipline in schools as another important gain, noting that discipline had previously presented a major challenge to school administrators.
“Discipline was a major challenge in our schools, but it has improved, and that is something we are proud of,” he said.
Nabulindo gets teachers’ backing
Mathwa also used the occasion to recognise the contribution of Matungu MP Peter Oscar Nabulindo to the development of schools across the constituency.
He said numerous schools had benefited from infrastructural development through the MP’s support, describing the investments as an important boost to both teachers and learners.
“Most of the schools in Matungu have had infrastructural development across the constituency, and as teachers, we are proud of what he has done,” Mathwa said.
He particularly praised Nabulindo for what he described as a hands-off approach to the professional management of schools, saying political interference had historically been a stumbling block to effective administration.
“Political interference has been a factor hindering the progress of our schools. We are happy that our MP has never interfered with the management of our schools in any way, and teachers are proud of that,” he said.
A day to celebrate teachers
Mathwa said World Teachers’ Day should not merely be marked with speeches and ceremonies, but should serve as a reminder of the critical role teachers play in shaping the next generation.
He urged teachers to feel appreciated for their contribution to society and encouraged them to remain committed to their calling despite the challenges facing the education sector.
For Matungu teachers, the event provided an opportunity not only to honour the profession but also to take stock of the changes taking place in schools—and to acknowledge the gains that have made their work more manageable.
As the day came yo an end, Mathwa’s message was clear: teachers deserve to be celebrated, but the progress achieved in education must also be protected and built upon.
