KNUT demands armed security for Lamu teachers amid rising threats

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has urged the government to either equip teachers stationed in volatile areas of Lamu East with firearms or provide secure transportation to their schools.

The union has noted that its members are willing to return to the classroom only if their safety is assured.

“Teachers are ready to go back to classrooms, but what we are insisting on is that their concerns and welfare must be fully addressed first,” KNUT's first Vice National Chairman Malel Langat said.

Langat highlighted the rampant insecurity linked to terrorist activities in the Boni Forest, noting that teachers face daily threats that impede their ability to report to work.

He stressed that without adequate protection or reliable transport, teachers remain vulnerable and unable to perform their duties effectively.

During the Lamu branch AGM, Langat warned local politicians against intimidating teachers.

“If there is no conducive environment here, teachers will not deliver on their mandate. So, it is high time the government and the local leaders stop threats and intimidation; we are going to resist it,” he said.

Shift in approach

He argued that the lack of security compromises not only the safety of teachers but also the future of students in the region. Langat also called for a shift in the government’s approach to tackling insecurity in Boni, suggesting that teachers be armed for their protection.

He pointed to the United States, where many states permit teachers and school employees to carry firearms on school grounds.

“Teachers posted to this area should be provided with basic paramilitary training and armed,” he said.

This plea follows several incidents of attacks on teachers. Malel criticized the government for allegedly breaking promises made to educators who agreed to work in the area, including the provision of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopters for safe transport—an arrangement that was later withdrawn.

The promise was made during the reopening of schools in Basuba Ward, which had previously been closed and converted into military camps due to a resurgence of al-Shabab militants.

“No teacher was ready to go back, but the government gave false promises that they will be promoted to administrative positions once they accept to be posted to these schools,” he said.

Area MP Ruweida Obo commented on the use of helicopters, stating, “The use of choppers can be used, but it cannot be on a daily basis. Let us not lie to ourselves; this is not sustainable.”

She made these remarks during a visit to assess the situation in the area.