Power struggles over the leadership of Maasai Mara Technical and Vocational College (TVC) in Narok County are nearly bringing the fast-growing institution into an abrupt halt.
Troubles began dogging the institution following the retirement of Principal John Kilonzo and the subsequent search for substantive replacement.
Education News understands that Kinara Basweti who was the Deputy Principal at the neighbouring Narok West Technical Training Institute (TTI) had been posted by the Ministry of Education (MoE) to take over from Kilonzo.
Basweti duly reported to his new station on June 1, 2023 and a handing over ceremony had been scheduled between the outgoing principal and his incoming counterpart for June 5 this year. But out of the blue, the College management and the Ministry reportedly stopped the event citing further consultations on the appointment.
Matters went haywire when Basweti arrived at the institution and was met by protests by students and some members of the local community. The institution was eventually closed.
Some members of the community who spoke to Education News in confidence said they were uncomfortable with the appointment of Basweti and wanted one of their own who had served since 2014 as the Deputy Principal to be promoted to head the institution.
“There is a Deputy Principal from the local community who has served at this institution for a long time. Why has he not been promoted to head this college? Why are they by-passing him and bringing in other people?” posed an angry parent, whose child studies at the institution.
He questioned why the Deputy Principal, who has been serving in an institution with only 450 students, would be promoted to head an institution with over 2,000 students yet there were two deputies at Maasai Mara TVC with even more experience.
The parent revealed that some leaders from the community who were unhappy with the developments had prevailed upon President Ruto to intervene and ensure one of their own was considered for the coveted post.
He said the leaders met the Head of State when he visited Maasai Mara recently to grace the home-coming ceremony of Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forest Services Soipan Tuya.
At the time of going to press, the date of resumption of studies for students was unknown as the battle for choice of Principal rages on.
This confusion continues as MoE is currently reshuffling Principals serving in TVET institutions, namely national polytechnics and TTIs, as reported by Education News yesterday. Click Here To Read.
There were speculations that the changes could be quashed as politics had taken centre stage.
By Our Reporter
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