Retired Secondary School Principals Unite to Form RESSPAK National Association.
A group of intellectuals has once again proven the overused phrase ‘Retired but not tired‘ to be true, but this time in a significant and appropriate way.
Former high school principals from throughout the country have banded together to form a one-of-a-kind, potentially massive association.
The Retired Secondary School Principals Association of Kenya (RESSPAK) is an umbrella organization for retired secondary school principals.
Its membership is made up of former Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) officials, including immediate former national chairman Indimuli Kahi, who retired as Principal of Machakos National School.
The journey to RESSPAK development required a lot of initiative and drive from the members who came up with the idea.
The Driving Force Behind the Association
RESSPAK’s formation involved significant effort and commitment from its members, including notable figures such as:
- Philip Cheruiyot (Former Principal of Simat High School)
- Syprose Kizito (Former Principal of Rurigi High)
- Isabella Wainaina (Former Principal of St. Mary’s Girls, Igoji)
- Julius Kamatei (Former Principal of Wareng High)
- Martha Tubei (Former Principal of Moi University High)
Together with others, they established an interim office to run the association before its official registration.
Interim Office and Key Roles
The interim office was tasked with overseeing RESSPAK’s initial operations and consisted of:
| Position | Name | Former School |
|---|---|---|
| Chairman | Philip Cheruiyot | Simat High School |
| Vice Chair | Syprose Kizito | Rurigi High |
| Secretary | Isabella Wainaina | St. Mary’s Girls, Igoji |
| Treasurer | Julius Kamatei | Wareng High |
| Organizing Secretary | Martha Tubei | Moi University High |
Their first responsibility was drafting an interim constitution to guide the association’s establishment and future endeavors.
Achievements and Vision
The interim office expressed their enthusiasm and determination to build a robust and dynamic organization. Interim Secretary, Isabella Wainaina, emphasized the group’s dedication to setting up a fully functional association that embodies the energy and wisdom of its members.
She noted that the process of creating a constitution was challenging but ultimately successful, with the association officially registered on May 6, 2024.
Reflecting on the association’s origins, Chairman Philip Cheruiyot shared that he and other retired principals had long envisioned creating such an organization. Their goal was to harness the vast experience and expertise of retired principals to benefit both themselves and society.
Cheruiyot explained that allowing these individuals to fade into obscurity after retirement would be a waste of human capital, comparing it to burying talents in the ground. He stressed the importance of identifying meaningful roles for these former educational leaders to continue contributing to society.
Purpose of the Association
RESSPAK’s constitution is designed to address several key objectives:
- Utilization of Human Capital: Empowering retired principals to continue serving society by leveraging their skills and experience.
- Socialization and Bonding: Encouraging retired principals to maintain relationships with colleagues, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Interim Treasurer, Julius Kamatei, highlighted the social aspect of the association. He noted that the principals have been connected through a shared professional journey and should not drift apart simply because of retirement.
Using a light-hearted analogy, he remarked that “oxen cannot suddenly be yoked with horses or goats,” emphasizing that former principals need to remain connected to plow forward effectively.
In summary, RESSPAK aims to provide retired principals with a platform to stay active, continue contributing to society, and maintain their strong bonds formed over years of service.
Concern for the Association
Apart from fostering social interaction, the association is deeply committed to advocating for retirees’ rights, particularly addressing the challenges faced by retired teachers. The committee has expressed concern that, in this country, retirement often feels like a traumatic experience for many.
Retirement Policies: A Comparison with Other Countries
The interim vice chair, Md. Kizito, pointed out that retirement is perceived differently in other parts of the world. In countries like Canada and many European nations, retirement is considered a form of discrimination against senior citizens unless they volunteer or are physically incapable of performing their duties. However, in this country, retirement is mandated by law at a certain age, regardless of an individual’s capability. Many retirees, including members of the association, felt they were still strong enough to continue working when they were forced to retire. This realization spurred the formation of the association, which aims to challenge the notion that retirement marks the end of productivity. Instead, the association wants to promote the idea that retirement is a new beginning and should be an exciting phase rather than one associated with hardship.
Ensuring Timely Payment of Retirement Benefits
To support this aim, the association is striving to ensure that retired principals and teachers receive their gratuity and pension payments on time. The committee has identified a widespread notion that retiring teachers don’t require immediate financial support anymore.
This misperception has resulted in retirement benefit delays that can last up to three years. Such delays are viewed as unfair because retirees still have basic requirements to meet, such as feeding their family and funding their children’s education.
The group has expressed concern about the negative repercussions of these delays, which include family breakdowns and financial difficulties.
Proposed solutions for a smoother transition.
In response, the association is working with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and other stakeholders to resolve this situation. Some suggestions include ensuring pensioners receive funds after retirement.
Any overpayments or debts, such as unreturned books or chalk, could then be removed from the gratuity. This method would help to alleviate the financial hardship that comes with retirement.
The association finds inspiration in the TSC’s positive response to its suggestions. The TSC has pledged to expedite retirement file processing so that retirees can get their benefits on time.
Support from Parliament
In addition to the TSC’s support, the group has communicated with Hon. Julius Melly, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Education. During a meeting with interim officials on July 20th, 2024,
Melly informed the association that he would closely collaborate with them to recognize their role as a crucial stakeholder in the education sector. He also urged that the group explore increasing its membership to include all retired teachers from primary to secondary levels.
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The interim committee has agreed to make this motion before the association’s forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Looking Ahead: The Upcoming AGM
The AGM will take place in Mombasa on September 19th. It will give a forum for members to discuss these and other pressing concerns. The group is positive about its success and is dedicated to improve the retirement experience for all teachers.
Retired Secondary School Principals Unite to Form RESSPAK National Association.
