Jobs Await Teachers Abroad

Kenya has intensified its efforts to clinch bi-lateral deals, which could see it send thousands of teachers to neighbouring countries.

The ministry of education says it has overstretched its budget to deploy the pool of qualified tutors now estimated at 40,000. It says the solution lies in securing jobs for teachers in countries in the region where a biting shortage persists.

Education Secretary George Godia reckons consideration will be given to the six countries attending a World Bank sponsored teacher conference in Nairobi. These include Zambia, Eritrea, Uganda, Malawi, Zanzibar and Lesotho. "Local teachers are highly skilled, informed by the upgrading courses they are undertaking, and were therefore competitive in the regional market, where there is a huge shortfall", said Prof Godia.

Already, close to 2,000 teachers are expected to leave for Southern Sudan next March. This would open job opportunities for 1,500 primary and 200 secondary school teachers.