Kitale School has once again found itself at the centre of controversy as the 2026 academic year begins. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) had transferred Principal David Luganda, sparking sharp reactions from parents, leaders, and education stakeholders in Trans Nzoia County.
The school, which boasts more than 2,000 learners, is opening its doors for the first term without Luganda, who is among hundreds of heads of institutions moved by the TSC at the start of the year. His transfer comes at a critical time as the Competency‑Based Curriculum (CBC) enters the Grade 10 intake stage for senior secondary schools.
Kitale School is one of five national primary institutions historically dominated by White settlers and later inherited by the Ministry of Education. These schools, including Hill School in Eldoret, Molo Academy, Nairobi Primary, and Nyeri Complex, are known for high discipline and exemplary academic performance, and they charge fees above ordinary public schools. Traditionally, principals of these institutions have swapped positions, but Luganda’s posting to Chemichemi Primary in Kiminini Sub‑county has been met with unusual resistance.
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In the past, leaders such as Hesbon Ngaira moved from Kitale to Hill School before retiring, while Keter transitioned to Lamplighter Academy. Luganda himself was appointed in 2022 from Amuka Primary in Kwanza Sub‑county, a move that had already raised eyebrows. At press time, it was not clear who would succeed him, though sources indicated the new principal had been picked from Kisumu County.
Reactions to the transfer have been mixed. Some parents and stakeholders termed the move political, arguing that Luganda had raised the school’s standards, including national examination results. Others described it as a routine TSC procedure. A statement circulating on social media questioned the timing, while critics accused Luganda of opening the boarding school to outsiders for meetings, exposing students to indiscipline. He was also faulted for increasing class enrolment from 40 to 70 learners, which some said compromised the learning environment.
The controversy comes in the wake of Kitale School hosting the Andimi AGM during the 2025 Christmas festivities, an event addressed by politicians, including Vihiga gubernatorial aspirant Kahi Indimuli. Luganda’s supporters dismissed the transfer as abrupt, ego‑driven, and lacking cultural sensitivity.
Independent sources claimed Luganda’s troubles may have stemmed from his refusal to award a tender for bean supplies to a senior education official in Trans Nzoia, allegedly related to a TSC director who pushed for his removal.
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Kitale ACK Bishop Emmanuel Chemengich, the school’s sponsor, did not respond to inquiries, while Trans Nzoia KESSHA chair Bernard Masinde said he was unaware of the changes, noting that teacher transfers remain the sole mandate of the TSC.
As of yesterday, some parents vowed not to allow the incoming principal to assume office, deepening the standoff over leadership at the institution.
By Abisai Amugune
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