The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has made a reshuffle of school heads in Kisii County, changes affecting Magena Boys High School and Endereti Secondary School in Kenyenya Sub-county.
David Mayaka has been appointed the new Principal of Magena Boys High School, replacing David Mbaka, who served at the institution for less than three years. Before his transfer, Mayaka was the Principal of Endereti Secondary School, where he had served since his promotion from Nyamache Boys School as Deputy Principal.
Mbaka has now been transferred to head Endereti Secondary School.
The changes come barely two months after Magena Boys High School was closed indefinitely following a devastating dormitory fire that destroyed seven dormitories. The fire broke out shortly after midnight while students were asleep.
According to reports, Form Three and Form Four students were the first to notice the flames and raise the alarm. However, the fire spread rapidly from one dormitory to six others, reducing the structures to ashes.
More than 250 Grade 10 students were affected, losing uniforms, books, bedding and other personal belongings. Although no deaths or serious injuries were reported, several students were treated for shock.
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Following the incident, President William Ruto pledged Ksh10 million towards the reconstruction of the school during his recent tour of the region. However, efforts by Education News to establish whether the funds had been deposited into the school account were unsuccessful, as calls to the outgoing principal went unanswered.
Some parents who spoke to Education News interpreted the transfers differently, with some viewing Mbaka’s move as a demotion while Mayaka’s appointment was seen as a promotion from a smaller rural school.
Mayaka now assumes leadership at Magena Boys at a critical time, with the school still grappling with investigations into the cause of the fire and efforts to mobilise resources for reconstruction.
On the other hand, Mbaka, who is widely recognised for his strengths in resource mobilisation and student enrolment, is expected to use his experience to help expand Endereti Secondary School.
Learning has since resumed at Magena Boys High School under Mayaka’s leadership. The school has previously experienced similar arson incidents, including one reported in 2016.
By Enock Okong’o
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