Muhoroni MP calls for public participation in Chemill Academy leadership change to safeguard staff welfare

Muhoroni Member of Parliamen, MP James Onyango Koyoo has insisted that any form of leadership changes at the Chemelil Sugar Academy must be undertaken through public participation.

In a statement, Koyoo noted that any fundamental alteration of the school’s operational model should be undertaken through structured stakeholder engagement, in line with principles of public participation as envisaged under Article 10 of the Constitution.

This backdrop comes, following the leasing of Chemelil Academy to the Chatthe Group of Companies, whereby a new management structure was introduced without further consultation from the local community and parents.

Koyoo added that in the best interests of learners, employees, and the wider Muhoroni community he  recommend that the task force considers and evaluates alternative governance frameworks for Chemelil Academy, saying that it should include retention of the school as a private institution with enhanced regulatory oversight and protection of workers’ rights.

The MP also suggested that the taskforce should entail establishment of a public-private trust or community-based trusteeship, ensuring compliance with labour laws and education standards.

He said other options to be considered includes placement of the school under a trusteeship arrangement involving the Ministry of Agriculture, given the historical linkage with Chemelil Sugar Company 1965, while maintaining its private character.

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“Any recommended model should ensure full compliance with Kenyan labour laws, protection of teachers’ terms of service, financial sustainability, and continued delivery of quality education,” he said.

“The governance structure should enable tangible benefits to accrue to the local community and uphold the long-term public interest of Muhoroni Constituency.” He added

The lawmaker decried that since the school was leased to Chatthe Group of Companies, the leadership transition has reportedly resulted in downward review of teachers’ salaries and termination of employment for some staff members.

The MP noted that these actions have raised serious concerns regarding compliance with the Employment Act, 2007, particularly provisions on fair labour practices, lawful termination, consultation, and protection of employees from unfair dismissal.

“Article 41 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 guarantees every worker the right to fair labour practices, including fair remuneration and reasonable working conditions.” He said, “Article 43 affirms the right to education, while Article 53 underscores the best interests of the child as a primary consideration in all matters concerning children.”

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Any management model adopted for Chemelil  Sugar Academy, he said, must therefore safeguard staff welfare and ensure continuity, stability, and quality of learning for students.

He said teachers and other stakeholders have expressed apprehension that continued operation under the current investor-led management, without adequate safeguards, may lead to staff de-motivation, disruption of learning, increased student dropouts, and eventual institutional decline.

Such outcomes, he emphasized, would be contrary to the objectives of the Basic Education Act, 2013, which emphasizes access, equity, quality, and sustainability of education

Chemelil Academy was established in 1998 and historically operated by Chemelil Sugar Company as a private educational institution serving the Muhoroni community and neighbouring areas.

Over the years, the school gained public confidence due to its stable management, quality education, and compliance with national education standards, attracting parents who voluntarily preferred a private school setting over public institutions.

By Fredrick Odiero