- Sambora takes over from David Ogega, who retired after attaining TSC’s mandatory retirement age.
- Leadership transition comes after student unrest led to the burning of two dormitories and temporary closure.
- New acting principal pledges to restore discipline, stability and academic performance at the school
Troubled Nyabisase High gets acting principal as parents react with mixed feelings
Sambora, a Bachelor of Science graduate in Mathematics and Biology from Kenyatta University, served for several years as a teacher at Gionseri Girls School before being transferred to Suneka Secondary School in Bonchari Constituency.
He was later promoted and posted to Nyabisase Secondary School as deputy principal, a position he held until his elevation to acting principal.
News of the leadership transition drew mixed reactions from parents, although many expressed confidence in Sambora, citing his teaching experience and record of discipline.
Others expressed reservations about the challenges facing the institution and called on the new administration to pay particular attention to the social and behavioural issues affecting learners.
“We hope he will bring stability, but we also want someone who understands the social issues affecting our children,” said one parent during a brief meeting at the school gate.
Sambora takes over after unrest
Sambora assumes leadership at a delicate time for the school following recent student unrest that disrupted learning.
Nyabisase Secondary School was closed for one week after students went on a rampage while protesting the posting of an incoming principal.
During the unrest, two dormitories were set ablaze, destroying mattresses, books and other personal belongings. Several students reportedly sustained minor injuries.
Police were called in to restore calm before the institution was closed to allow investigations and repairs to be undertaken.
The school reopened on Monday under tightened security.
In a memo read to parents and students, the Board of Management directed each student to pay KSh8,000 towards the cost of property damaged during the unrest.
Students were also required to report back accompanied by a parent or guardian and clear outstanding fee balances before being readmitted to class.
Addressing teachers and students following the reopening, Sambora called for calm, cooperation and collective responsibility as the institution seeks to recover from the disruption.
“We cannot build a school by destroying it. This is a new chapter and we must all take responsibility for the name and future of Nyabisase,” he said.
He pledged to work closely with parents, the Board of Management and education officials to restore discipline and improve academic performance.
Focus turns to stability
Education officials from Nyamache Subcounty said they would monitor the institution closely to prevent a recurrence of the unrest.
They also called on stakeholders to support the new administration through counselling and mentorship programmes to help learners recover from the disruption.
Sambora’s elevation is expected to provide leadership as Nyabisase Secondary works to rebuild damaged infrastructure, replace lost learning materials and restore normal learning.
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The school will also be seeking to rebuild confidence among learners, parents and other stakeholders as candidates prepare for the forthcoming national examinations.
By Enock Okong’o
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