Makueni County KUPPET Chairman Erastus Kimetu. File Photo. 
By Andrew Mbuva.
Makueni County KUPPET Chairman Erastus Kimetu has attributed the growing challenges facing schools across the country to declining discipline among learners, calling on parents to take a leading role in instilling values and responsibility in their children.
Speaking during the burial of Mzee Benjamin Musembi Wambua at Kitandi Village in Waia/Kako Ward, Makueni County, Kimetu said discipline begins at home and should be reinforced by teachers in school.
"The real work of a teacher is to sharpen a child academically, but discipline is a shared responsibility between parents and teachers. Parents must play their role by ensuring their children are well disciplined before they come to school," he said.
Addressing students who attended the funeral, Kimetu emphasized that academic success is closely tied to discipline and determination. He challenged learners to appreciate the sacrifices made by their parents and guardians in providing education and opportunities for them.
He noted that many young people often underestimate the struggles their parents endured while growing up, adding that modern conveniences should not distract students from focusing on their studies.
Kimetu also issued a stern warning against student unrest and violence in schools, saying learners who engage in criminal acts during strikes should face the full force of the law.
"When you organize a strike and end up destroying property or taking lives, that is a criminal offence. Such actions belong in jail, and as a teachers' union, we will never negotiate on matters involving loss of life. Life is sacred," he said.
While acknowledging that times have changed and dialogue remains important in resolving grievances, the union leader maintained that meaningful engagement cannot thrive in an environment characterized by widespread indiscipline.
On teachers' welfare, Kimetu criticized recent disruptions experienced under the Social Health Authority (SHA) system, saying technical explanations should not interfere with service delivery.
"We witnessed a situation over the weekend where SHA services were unavailable due to what was termed as a migration process. Any system migration should be planned in a way that does not disrupt essential services," he said.
The KUPPET official also welcomed plans by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to revise career progression guidelines to make them shorter and more efficient. However, he insisted that implementation timelines must be clearly outlined.
"We support efforts to streamline career progression, but there must be specific timelines. Teachers should not be subjected to endless waiting under a new grading framework," he stated.
Kimetu further reiterated KUPPET's support for Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers, insisting that their professional autonomy is a right that must be respected.
He noted that the JSS structure provides for key leadership positions, including Heads of Department for STEM, Arts and Sports, Social Sciences, and Boarding where applicable.
"JSS teachers have a right to manage their structures and leadership positions. This is not a favour being sought but a right that must be realized," he said.
Kimetu also dismissed attempts by rival unions to speak on behalf of JSS teachers, arguing that KUPPET remains committed to defending the interests of its members until their concerns are fully addressed.
His remarks come amid ongoing national discussions on school discipline, teachers' welfare, healthcare service delivery, and the integration of Junior Secondary School teachers into the education system
