By Jeff Kizzilah
The National Chairman of the Parents Association, Mr. Silas David Obuhatsa, has called on the government and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to formally recognize and reward school principals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, leadership, and sacrifice in the education sector.
Speaking during an interview, Mr. Obuhatsa singled out the Chief Principal of Kakamega High School, Dr. Elphas Aliva Luvaso, PhD, describing him as a dedicated educationist whose impact has been felt across the various institutions he has served. He noted that Dr. Aliva previously left an outstanding legacy at Kamusinga Boys High School, where his leadership produced remarkable results.
“Dr. Aliva has consistently shown commitment to learners, teachers, and the wider school community. Such principals deserve recognition from the government for their sacrifice and service to the children of this nation,” Mr. Obuhatsa said.
The Parents Association Chairman urged the Teachers Service Commission to openly reward principals who have demonstrated dedication and excellence, arguing that merit-based recognition would motivate school heads to serve with integrity and passion.
Given Dr. Aliva’s age, experience, and contribution to education, Mr. Obuhatsa proposed that he be relieved from classroom duties and considered for a presidential appointment, saying this would set a powerful example to other principals across the country.
During the interview, members of the media also asked Mr. Obuhatsa whether he could recommend a primary school headteacher deserving promotion on merit. In response, he praised Bidii Comprehensive School in Buru Buru, Nairobi, and its headteacher, Mrs. Phaera Nyaga.
“If I were asked to choose a primary school, I would quickly pick Bidii Comprehensive School. Mrs. Nyaga is a true role model,” Mr. Obuhatsa said.
He recalled an incident during a “meet-the-people” school tour when he found Mrs. Nyaga personally sweeping the school compound alongside teachers, learners, and non-teaching staff, with rubbish being taken to compost using wheelbarrows.
“How many well-dressed female school heads would do that?” he posed, noting that many school heads prefer to supervise cleanliness from a distance rather than lead by example.
Mr. Obuhatsa emphasized that effective school leadership requires principals and headteachers to be role models if discipline is to improve.
He further lamented the continued use of corporal punishment in some schools, praising Mrs. Nyaga for managing discipline through wisdom, love, and positive engagement instead.
“Mrs. Nyaga deserves the best from the government. This is the kind of leadership our schools need,” he concluded.
