Koskei raises alarm over alcoholism, drug abuse among teachers..

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has raised concern over cases of alcohol and drug abuse among teachers.

He warned that the vice not only affects their well-being but also undermines the example educators are expected to set for learners.

Koskei, however, emphasised that the issue should be viewed within the broader social challenges affecting communities across the country and not as a problem confined to the teaching profession.

“We have observed that there is quite a number of our teachers who have fallen into the trap of alcohol and drug abuse and have really sunk into this problem,” Koskei said.

He made the remarks during a virtual meeting that brought together heads of primary and junior secondary schools, their deputies, members of Boards of Management, administration heads and sub-county directors of education from across the country.

It followed a similar meeting of secondary school heads on Wednesday.

Officials from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) were also present, including acting CEO Evaline Mitei and chairman Jamleck Muturi.

Koskei acknowledged that the commission has been working to support affected teachers through rehabilitation programmes, but noted that some continue to struggle with addiction.

“However much TSC is trying to take them to rehabilitation centres and offer treatment, there are some who continue to fall back into that space,” he said.

The Head of Public Service urged teachers to seek help and avoid behaviours that could compromise their professional responsibility.

“We ask, and we beg of you, please get out of it. Alcohol and drug abuse destroys not only yourself but your family, the community you live in and by extension the Republic,” he said.

Koskei reminded teachers that they serve as role models for young learners and must therefore uphold conduct that reflects the values they seek to instill in students.

“If you are drinking, please do not drink and go to school. You are role models. All those children look up to you and they may copy what is not right for their lives in future,” he said.

Despite the concerns raised, Koskei praised teachers across the country for their dedication and service, noting that many work under difficult conditions but continue to nurture learners and contribute to the country’s development.

“We acknowledge and commend all teachers across the country, head teachers, deputy head teachers, senior teachers and classroom teachers, for the tireless and patriotic work they do in moulding our children,” he said.

He said they are aware that many of them operate under very difficult circumstances. "Some schools lack proper infrastructure, offices or adequate facilities, yet you continue to serve diligently," he said.

Koskei said the government recognises these challenges and has taken steps in recent years to strengthen the education sector.

He noted that over the past three years the government has recruited more than 100,000 teachers and has also invested in infrastructure development to improve learning conditions in schools.