TEACHERS from Kakamega county have petitioned the government to release free primary and subsidised secondary education fund. The county's Secondary School Heads Association chair Godfrey Owuor said the delay in release of the money has made it difficult to manage institutions.

Speaking to journalists in Mumias town yesterday, Owuor blamed the Jubilee government of failing to address challenges in primary and secondary schools. He blamed the Jubilee government for failing to address changes in the education sector.

Owuor asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to create stability. "The current state in education between teachers and government will frustrate children whose parents canot afford private schools," he said. Owuor said there is need for increment in money allocated per child through bursaries.

The chairman asked the government to address teacher shortage in schools and improve infrastructure. "We have reports that exams are out on the streets. The government should employ its intelligence service to contain cheating in national exams," said Owuor.

"What we are seeing today is a government of only two tribes. Where is the national image of Kenya?" asked the St Peter's high school principal noting that the President and his deputy need to give Kenyans a hearing on the management of the country.

"Kenyans are becoming impatient with the slow pace of progress as the government seems to be dragging its feet in addressing issues affecting the common mwananchi and giving priority to securing a lavish lifestyle for the ruling class" Owuor added.

The 2009 principal of the year asked the president and his team to facilitate economic growth saying only the expanding economy will rid Kenya of the pervasive feel glum factor.

"If the government has to boost the public perception of its performance, it should urgently improve the state of the economy. The government's foremost duty is protecting its citizens, their property and livelihoods" he observed adding that the President and his deputy need to know that the country is still divided along political party lines with half of Kenyans remaining suspicious of the Jubilee government hence set their priorities right.

He added: "No matter how good an intended project will be, like the free laptops and maternal care, could turn out to be expensive if the economy does not expand or is weighed down by the demands."