Decision by the government to relocate Moi Teachers Training College (TTC) from Seretunin to Talai Secondary School in Baringo Central has ignited protests, legal battles, and uncertainty.
These have left both TTC trainees and Talai students caught in the crossfire.
The relocation was intended to free up space for Kabarnet University College—the first public university in the region—which is expected to admit more than 1,400 pioneer students on September 8, 2025.
However, instead of a smooth transition, the plan has been overshadowed by litigation, conflicting instructions, and logistical hurdles. As a result, many learners, including Form Four candidates at Talai, remain at home. At the same time, peers elsewhere continue with their studies.
The standoff began on June 13 when the government gazetted Kabarnet University College and listed it on the KUCCPS portal. While construction of its permanent campus on a 50-acre site donated by Kabarnet Boys High School is set to begin, the university was to be temporarily housed at Moi TTC Seretunin. To make way, the Ministry of Education directed TTC trainees to be shifted to Talai Secondary.
On July 31, Education CS Migos Ogamba announced that Sh100 million had been allocated to refurbish Talai’s facilities for the TTC students. Under the arrangement, Talai learners were to be distributed to Kituro, Oinobmoi, and Tabagon schools.
Though initially praised by local leaders as a step toward expanding higher education, the plan quickly met resistance. Five petitioners moved to court through lawyer Edwin Yator Ruto, arguing that the relocation would displace over 1,000 TTC trainees and staff, compromise Talai’s limited infrastructure, and deny students their constitutional right to education.
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Their case bore fruit on August 22, when Justice Patrick Otieno of the Kabarnet High Court issued a permanent conservatory order stopping the relocation. He ruled the process unconstitutional, citing a lack of public participation and infringement of learners’ rights. The ruling left Talai students stranded, with administrators issuing contradictory notices to parents—first asking them to prepare for reopening, then advising them to stay home, then recalling them again and demanding fees.
Parents say the confusion has crippled learning. “Our children, including candidates, are stuck at home while others are in class. The situation is chaotic,” said parent Eric Koros.
Meanwhile, a fresh legal twist has emerged. In a new petition, Ms. Moureen Lagat has applied to overturn the ruling, insisting that public participation was conducted and 15 acres have already been earmarked for Talai’s relocation. She warned that blocking the move undermines Kabarnet University College, which has already admitted 613 students scheduled to report on September 8.
“The conservatory orders are harming both secondary and university learners. This matter must be resolved urgently,” she argued. The case will be heard on September 3, 2025.
“We support the establishment of Kabarnet University College, but it should not derail our children’s education. The Ministry must act before the damage becomes permanent,” said parent Daniel Chepsom.
By Joseph Mambili
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