There were disruptions along Nairobi-Kangundo Road on Monday January 20 as a group of irate parents and learners at Koma Ranch Primary and Junior School staged a protest at Mutalia.
They thronged the road, blocking traffic with bonfires and stones while carrying placards that called for the removal of the school’s head teacher Augustine Mawathe. The placards had the message: “Shape up or ship out.”
Police promptly intervened to calm the situation but the protesters remained adamant to the frustration of many commuters and were forced to use old Kangundo Road to move from Mutalia to Joska.
They accuse the school administration of imposing illegal fees on Grade 7 learners.
They claimed that the administration has gone against Ministry of Education guidelines, charging a KSh5,000 fee for admission into junior school, among other levies.
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On Friday, parents claim that the some learners were sent home for failing to pay the fees.
“We have repeatedly tried to address this issue with the Ministry of Education but no action has been taken. Friday, our children were sent home, which is unacceptable given the ministry’s clear directive that no fees should be charged,” the parent stated.
The school’s head teacher denied the allegations attributing the protests to personal grievances and tribalism.
“I’m retiring this year,” Mawathe remarked. “I assure you, this has something to do with tribalism.”
She added: “We will call the parents to a meeting to discuss the development of the school, especially the construction of the kitchen for the learners.”
Despite the protests, she asserted that most parents have not raised concerns about her leadership.
By Joseph Mambili
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