The principal who caned Gachagua for future mistakes

Mr.Kano Ndumbi also served as the Kenya National Union of Teachers Secretary General Kirinyaga district from 2001-2006 .

When former Chief Principal Kano Ndumbi walks along the streets of Kirinyaga, he does not go unnoticed.

He has been trending ever since Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua introduced him as a strict disciplinarian who looked ahead to the mistakes that would be committed in future.

“You see, Ndumbi would cane you and when you ask why, he would tell you it’s for the mistake that you are planning to do tomorrow,” said the deputy president to rapturous laughter at a recent fundraiser in aid of Kianyaga High School earlier this year.

“You were my teacher, you need to get out of the opposition and join the government. I want us to work together,” Gachagua went on a more serious note.

Ndumbi, a renowned school administrator in Kirinyaga, Murang’a and Eastern parts of Kenya, was a darling of many in his heyday despite his zeal to instill discipline that was nevertheless aimed at bringing out a wholesome individual.

His teaching journey started at Kianyaga Boys in 1975 where he was posted after completing his university education with a Bachelor’s of Education (Arts) degree.

He was then promoted to a deputy principal in 1978 and later Principal in the same school before being transferred to a school in Tharaka Nithi and to Kangaru School in Embu.

The former chief principal has been on the forefront giving his former school a facelift, working hard to replace the asbestos roofing that was done during colonial times. He also wants to get the school a new 56-seater bus.

Ndumbi described Gachagua as an astute debater back in the day, who also helped the school reach the nationals in volleyball as a key player.

“There was no debate that would go on in his (Gachagua’s) absence. He was also a volleyballer who made sure the school reached the national levels,” Ndumbi said.

Being among the first students to join the University of Nairobi, he said, he was very ambitious to change the lives of many.

“A teacher plays a vital role in a child’s development. Teachers need to be respected and appreciated,” Ndumbi said, referring to Gachagua’s earlier professional life.

He added that the system of education needs to shift mindsets from focus on white collar jobs to skills and competencies for job creation.

“The approach of our education system needs to be changed completely. Learners should be given skills that they can use in to create jobs. A look at our country and the world today reveals a dire need for skilled workers as all have shifted to white collar jobs,” observed Ndumbi.

He said for the country to grow and develop, we must invest in the youth. This can be achieved through properly managed education systems.

He urged parents to focus more on their children’s welfare for a better future.

“Parents have neglected their parental duties and left it to the teachers, yet best behaviour starts at home. You do not have to overwork yourself looking for wealth that will be mismanaged by an indiscipline child; invest first in the behaviour of your child,” Ndumbi advised.

By Caroline Wangechi

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