St Monica’s Girls High School Kitale parents have staged protests in the town demanding the immediate transfer of the school principal Grace Adhiambo Ataro, citing widespread mismanagement and unsafe conditions at the institution.
The protests follow riots at the school a week ago, which led to students being sent home, and parents have vowed not to allow their children to return until Ataro is replaced.
The parents, who marched to the county education offices, presented a detailed list of grievances, claiming that the principal is unfit to remain in her position.
“There are significant concerns about the school’s deteriorating academic performance. Ataro has failed to maintain standards since her appointment,” said one parent.
YOU MAY ALSO READ:
Among the safety concerns raised was inadequate fencing, leaving students vulnerable to harassment from strangers.
Reports of sexual harassment, students sneaking out to purchase alcohol, and unstable, cracked buildings that students continue to use were mentioned as critical issues being ignored by the administration.
According to the parents, the principal and her secretary have been involved in illegal activities such as collecting unaccounted-for funds, misappropriating school bakery profits, and manipulating school accounts.
The parents also expressed frustration over the forced collection of various fees, including a Ksh300 charge for church donations, which they claim does not reach the intended recipients.
Other allegations include the use of vulgar language towards students, a broken relationship between the principal and both staff and parents, and unprofessional management practices.
Following the protests, the parents met with local authorities, including County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi, County Director of Education Pamela Akelo, and Teachers Service Commission officials.
Oyagi urged parents to allow the students to return to school as investigations are launched into the allegations. However, the parents remain adamant that no learning will resume until the principal is transferred.
By Osborne Benn
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
