Parents of learners at Chemelil Sugar Academy in Muhoroni Sub-County, Kisumu County, have threatened to move to court over a management dispute they say has stalled the school’s reopening and undermined accountability.
The mixed boarding high school, located within the Chemelil sugar factory precincts, has faced operational turbulence since a change in administration on November 1, 2025, following the entry of Kibos Sugar & Allied Industries as investor under a 30‑year lease.
Led by Parents Association chairperson Frederick Otieno, the group accuses the new management of sidelining parents in key decisions affecting the institution’s welfare and academic continuity. “We have been sidelined in the making of crucial decisions affecting the school, which has significantly impacted the welfare and academic progress of our children,” Otieno said, calling for transparent engagement and clear timelines for reopening.
Parents also allege adverse employment changes that they say have disrupted the school environment. Moses Abiero claimed the administration had reduced teachers’ salaries and dismissed some staff, creating a hostile learning atmosphere and lowering morale among students and employees.
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“The new contracts issued to workers came with pay cuts of more than 50 per cent. For instance, a cook who had worked here for 22 years and was earning Sh65,000 had his salary reduced to Sh32,000,” Abiero alleged.
Abiero also said that efforts to reach the new management have been unsuccessful, with parents insisting they will pursue legal redress to protect learners’ interests if the stalemate persists.
Edith Osire said parents would continue pressing for reforms until the administration demonstrates openness, responsibility, and a clear commitment to student welfare, including restoring staffing stability and communicating a credible reopening plan.
Parents argue that any administrative changes must uphold continuity in learning, safeguard staff welfare, and adhere to established oversight mechanisms. They urged education authorities and local leaders to intervene to ensure the school’s reopening is handled transparently and in line with the best interests of learners.
By Fredrick Odiero
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