Chuka Girls High School in Tharaka Nithi County has been closed indefinitely after parents staged a protest at the County Education Offices, accusing the principal of abuse, intimidation, and mismanagement.
The parents alleged that the school head, Ms. Joan Muchina, has created a hostile environment for learners and parents alike. They cited excessive punishment, prolonged suspensions, and victimisation of Form Three and Form Four students without fair disciplinary hearings.
Joseph Mutugi, one of the parents, claimed that students are subjected to extreme academic pressure, with limited sleeping hours. He said learners found resting in dormitories are suspended for up to two weeks, a practice parents argue has harmed their children’s mental wellbeing and academic focus.
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Other parents accused the administration of silencing dissent. Diana Karani alleged that parents who raise concerns are removed from the school’s official WhatsApp group, effectively cutting off communication channels.
Concerns also extended to academics. Doreen Odhiambo said parents were not formally informed of the school’s 2025 KCSE results, which reportedly dropped from a mean score of 7.2 to 5.7. She added that no official explanation or remedial plan was shared.
Staff instability was another grievance. Alex Kipkoech, a parent, claimed that frequent teacher transfers under the principal’s tenure have disrupted learning and lowered morale, further affecting performance.
Parents also accused the principal of assaulting a teacher, though no documentation was presented during the protest. They listed additional grievances including public humiliation of students, lack of annual general meetings, and poor stakeholder engagement.
On financial matters, parents complained of being forced to buy full school uniforms annually and alleged discriminatory fee structures, claiming students without arrears are charged more.
They also protested inflated prices of basic food items sold within the school, such as cakes at KSh20 despite bread being included in school provisions.
Another point of contention was the alleged unilateral renaming of the school from Chuka Girls High School to Bhakita Chuka Girls, which parents said was done without consultation.
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Tharaka Nithi County Director of Education, Mbugua Kabaki, addressed the demonstrators and assured them that all grievances would be investigated. However, parents insisted their daughters were no longer safe at the institution.
Following consultations, Kabaki announced the immediate closure of Chuka Girls High School until further notice, pending investigations.
Efforts to reach the principal for comment were unsuccessful by the time of going to press.
By John Majau
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