The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has petitioned the Public Service Commission (PSC) to initiate the constitutional process to remove Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok from office.
In its petition on June 2, COFEK outlines six grounds it believes warrant the dismissal of PS Bitok.
The organization accuses Bitok of gross misconduct, incompetence, abuse of office, violation of constitutional provisions on public finance management, and conduct deemed unbecoming of a state officer.
“COFEK has today formally petitioned the Public Service Commission (PSC) raising six grounds on which it urges the PSC to initiate the constitutional process for the removal from office of the Principal Secretary, State Department for Basic Education, Amb (Prof) Julius Bitok,” wrote COFEK in a statement.
COFEK Petition for Removal of Bitok Over Accountability Concerns
COFEK says the office of a Principal Secretary must remain accountable under the Constitution and cannot be shielded from scrutiny.
Also Read: COFEK Calls for Full Ban on Select Kenyan Registered Products, Cites Safety Concerns
The federation points to Article 155(4), arguing that the Public Service Commission has both the mandate and responsibility to act on the claims raised.
According to COFEK, the petition is driven by public interest and the need to uphold integrity in the education sector.
It claims the State Department for Basic Education, under Julius Bitok’s leadership, is facing governance concerns that require urgent action.
COFEK further stresses that public service is a trust bestowed by citizens and must be exercised in line with constitutional values, including transparency, accountability and responsible management of public resources.
The petition now places the matter before the Public Service Commission, which is expected to review the allegations and determine whether to initiate formal proceedings.
The federation says the outcome of the case is critical for restoring confidence in the management of the education sector, adding that learners across the country deserve leadership that meets the highest standards of public service.
Bitok Issues New Directives to All Boarding Schools Nationwide
The petition comes two days after Julius Bitok issued new directives affecting all boarding schools in the country.
Speaking during the Elimu Mashinani forum in Wajir County on May 31, Bitok said the government has instructed education officers to implement enhanced safety measures across boarding institutions.
Also Read: COFEK Pushes CAK to Probe Safaricom Over My OneApp Forced Migration
In his announcement, the PS said the inspections will begin on June 2 and be completed within 10 days.
“We have directed our officers to conduct a very thorough inspection within the next 10 days of all boarding schools to confirm afresh whether they are meeting safety standards and to provide recommendations,” Bitok said.
“We are going to take very serious action against any principal, teacher, or school that deliberately violates the provisions of the safety standards,” he added.
Julius Bitok had earlier raised concerns over the evolving nature of exam malpractice.
During the Elimu Mashinani program in Kakamega on March 3, the PS was put to task by Louie, a student from Mukumu Boys High School, who sought clarity on what the Ministry is doing to curb exam cheating while ensuring innocent candidates are not punished for the mistakes.
According to Julius Bitok, cheating is no longer primarily driven by students; it has shifted to teachers.
He noted that some teachers use mobile phones and other methods to aid candidates during examinations, terming the trend unfortunate but real.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
