Education CS Ogamba cautions schools against contravening TSC regulations on Co-curricular activities.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has cautioned teachers against breaching regulations governing co-curricular activities, emphasizing strict adherence to Ministry of Education and Teachers’ Service Commission (TSC) guidelines.

Speaking during the National Drama and Film Festival Gala in Nakuru on Tuesday, Ogamba stressed that all co-curricular activities must follow established rules.

He also dismissed claims of disciplinary action against teachers involved in the controversial Butere Girls High School play Echoes of War, clarifying that investigations are ongoing and no one has been penalized yet.

The CS announced that moving forward, Arts and Sports will no longer be treated as co-curricular but will be fully integrated into the school curriculum as formal learning pathways.

He added that schools will be expected to build theatres as part of infrastructure development to support the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), especially at the senior secondary level.

The 2025 edition of the drama and film festivals attracted over 27,000 learners with more than 800 presentations, signaling the growing importance of creative arts in education.

Highlights of the TSC Circular Number 14/2018 on the Protection of Pupils/Students.

1. EXCLUSION OF NON-REGISTERED INDIVIDUALS:

All principals and headteachers must not allow persons who are not registered teachers to participate in any school programmes involving learners.

2. PROHIBITION OF DEREGISTERED TEACHERS:

Teachers whose names have been removed from the register of teachers must also be excluded from handling or interacting with students.

3. RESTRICTION IN CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

This directive applies especially during co-curricular activities, such as games, drama, and music festivals, where only registered teachers are permitted to coach, manage, or supervise learners.

4. DUTIES INVOLVING LEARNERS:

The prohibited roles include teaching, handling, managing, coaching, and supervising pupils/students.

5. LEGAL AND ETHICAL COMPLIANCE:

The circular reinforces compliance with the TSC Code of Conduct and Ethics, safeguarding learners from unauthorized persons.

The purpose of this circular is to protect learners by ensuring only QUALIFIED AND PROFESSIONALLY accountable individuals engage with them in all educational settings.