Tensions ran high at Matumbei Secondary School yesterday, March 24, as students demonstrated over deplorable conditions, including dilapidated toilets, a rundown dining hall, and electricity vandalism.
The protests were further fueled by the mysterious disappearance of 26 bags of beans from the school store.
According to Principal Emman Mukhabi, the Trans Nzoia based school is facing numerous challenges, including, lack of funds to repair the dining hall and toilets. “The dining hall will be recarpeted when funds are available,” he said, adding that the rocky terrain of the region makes it difficult to construct proper toilets.
The school’s electricity woes were exacerbated by the vandalism of a smart meter, which Mukhabi attributed to unknown individuals seeking to implicate the administration. “I paid Ksh 73,000 to KPLC recently, so I don’t have any debt. I call upon those with mischief to cease from such acts for the sake of the school,” he appealed.
ALSO READ:
TVET CDACC warns public against fake assessment tools as March/April 2026 exams continues
Investigations into the missing beans revealed that some students broke into the school store, stole the beans, and sold them to an accomplice who is currently under probe. The security guard on duty has been suspended pending further investigation.
The principal also blamed villagers for inciting the students, alleging that they thronged the school at 3 am, vandalized the fence, and forced the students to demonstrate. The community, however, claims that Mukhabi is the root of the problem, citing his impounding of a school bus that was ferrying villagers to Nairobi’s Bomas of Kenya.
However, Mukhabi denied the allegations, stating that the bus issue is being complicated by certain interests. He added that parents owe the school over Ksh 31 million in fees arrears and are reluctant to pay, while the government capitation is insufficient to cover the swelling wage bill of BOM teachers and other workers.
“I am going through a lot in this school,” Mukhabi said, expressing frustration over the situation.
As the tie of press, the students were ferried back to school pending an amicable solution to the issues.
By Kimtai Cherongis
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
