Bungoma Boys High School principal sent on compulsory leave, 10 teachers transferred over protests

- The school recorded two protests between February and March 2019 over poor management

- Students accused principal, Samuel Kaunda, of ruling with an iron fist and ignoring their grievances

- Several teachers from the institution also raised similar concerns

- Bungoma county TSC boss said some teachers who were transferred had allegedly incited students to go on rampage

- The deputy Principal was among the 10 teachers who were transferred

- Wycliffe Wambuchi from Lwandanyi secondary school was named the new principal

Bungoma Boys High School Principal Samuel Kaunda has been sent on compulsory leave while 10 teachers have been transferred to other schools following persistent student protests over poor management at the institution.

The school recorded two protests between February and March 2019 compelling the Ministry of Education to initiate investigations into issues that were affecting the institution.

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Speaking to TUKO.co.ke on Tuesday, March 2, Bungoma County Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Director Adan Ibrahim said some teachers were transferred because preliminary investigations indicated they were involved in the strike while others were moved because they had overstayed in the school.

Some teachers had stayed in the school for over 20 years and in such a case, even their performance slows down, said Ibrahim.

The county TSC boss said the decision was reached after wide consultations and deliberations that involved all stakeholders in the sector.

Every decision we have made is with the aim of reviving this school and nothing else, we have to ensure that the institution restores its lost dignity and glory in this region, he added.

Teachers who previous spoke to TUKO.co.ke on condition of anonymity lamented that the school head was harassing them and could not listen to grievances they raised.

Bungoma Boys High School students protest against poor management of the institution.Photo/Oti Oteba
Source: Original

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The students accused the principal of ruling them with an iron fist and was never willing to address their grievances.

The hygiene standards in the school are poor. The pressure of water in the taps is too low, a student said.

They complained that bathing, washing uniforms, cleaning their dorms and classes was a challenge.

Initial reports indicated some teachers incited students to torch the school dormitory two weeks ago. The dorm was housing 184 students.

The learning institution was indefinitely closed a fort night ago and students send home by education officials.

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Efforts to get a comment from the principal remained futile as he was engaged in other administrative duties.

TUKO.co.ke, however, learnt that Kaunda has since been replaced by Wycliffe Wambuchi from Lwandanyi Secondary School in Sirisia constituency.

The new head will also serve as deputy principal of the school for the time being.