Kitale School has finally got a new principal after the exit of the embattled principal David Luganda, as Alumni call for revival of competency to the elite public learning institution in North Rift region.
In an emotional taking-and-handing over brief closed-door ceremony at the school, Luganda left the school after an illustrious over 4-year period, handing over to the new head George Polo Ochieng from Kisumu.
The ceremony was overseen by the Kitale ACK Bishop Emmanuel Chemengich as the sponsors who questioned why the controversy was not ignited when Luganda moved to Kitale School only to be raised when he was being transferred.
But even as the principal was packing his belongings, the Kitale School Alumni Association while welcoming the changes insisted on the maintenance of the tradition of the high-cost and prestige of the school established in 1924 by the White Settlers.
Led by an old student Peter Wabuge, the alumni also suggested that the former students be involved in the administration of the school as advisors in a bid to protect its history and values.
Wabuge said when the association held its 90th Anniversary, it was emphasized for the school to be headed by teachers with competency for classified learning institutions. He cited schools like Lenana and Alliance-both for boys and girls- which he said excelled in academics and extra curriculum activities for maintaining their culture.
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Before landing at Kitale School, Luganda had served in Amuka primary school in Kwanza Sub-county Kitale School is levelled with high-cost learning institutions such as Molo Academy, Nairobi primary school, Hill School and Nyeri Complex being run by the central government in conjunction with the county education boards.
Ochieng has been moved from Xaverian Primary School which is also an elite public school in Kisumu started in 1955 by the White. Like Kitale School which gave birth to Kitale Girls secondary School in 2017, Xaverian led to the creation of an autonomous secondary school wing.
Both schools have changed names along the way since their establishment with sports disciplines like rugby, tennis, swimming and hockey.
It remains to be seen whether or not Ochieng will live to the expectations of the stakeholders of Kitale School as the 2026 learning year kicks in earnest.
By Abisai Amugune
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