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School Closed Indefinitely After Students Reject Principal

Narok Sub-County Education Director Wanjala and management have been forced to indefinitely close down a school and send all the students home after an ungovernable strike. 

The students of Simotwet Secondary School in Emurua Dikirr Constituency held a protest on Tuesday, January 22, morning.

According to residents of the area, the students marched to the District Commissioner’s office, to air their grievances to the Director of Education.

They then demanded that Principal Sammy Wakaba, who was recently transferred to Moi Minariet Boys High School, should not return to the school.

KCSE, Education CS Julius Ogamba during a meeting with Prof. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research of Egypt December 11, 2024. PHOTO/MoE.
Education CS Julius Ogamba during a meeting with Prof. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research of Egypt December 11, 2024. PHOTO/MoE.

Also Read: Mixed Reactions Over School with One Student and 8 Teachers


Why Students Want the Principal Out of School

The unrest followed differing opinions about Mr. Wakaba’s leadership.

Supporters praised his contributions to the school’s academic and community development. On the other hand, students and critics accuse him of poor management.

Moreover, some of the students and parents raised concerns about his management practices, alleging financial impropriety. The students accused the principal of mishandling school funds and exploiting parents.

However, the principal has refused to accept the transfer to Moi Minariet, a move that has further fueled suspicions about his motives.

The situation escalated when students threatened to take matters into their own hands if the principal continued to defy the transfer order.

Also, they warned of violence against him if he was seen within the school compound. The tension and hostility prompted authorities to close the school and send students home until further notice.


Also Read:Mixed Reactions Over School with One Student and 8 Teachers


Praises Hailed at Mr. Wakaba During his Exit

In early January, the residents of Narok and select members of the school hailed praises at the school head as he left following his transfer. 

Supporters praised his contributions to the school’s academic and community development.

According to his allies, during his tenure, Simotwet Secondary saw a significant rise in academic performance, including sending over 54 students to university after the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results.

“His leadership was marked by initiatives that encouraged academic excellence, a compassionate fee policy that allowed parents to pay with farm produce and infrastructure improvements such as the construction of a unique story building,” Erick Koskei wrote at the time. 

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Students
Students crowded at a water point. PHOTO/Screengrab TV 47

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Joy Kwama

Mercy Joy Kwama is a News Reporter at The Kenya Times who is dedicated to the art of storytelling and truth-telling and changing narratives. She has covered diverse topics including politics, social justice, environmental issues, climate change, and entertainment. Mercy is particularly driven to amplify the voices of African communities and challenge the prevailing status quo. She is a graduate of Riara University with a degree in Communications and Multimedia Journalism and is well-equipped to navigate the complex landscape of news reporting. In her spare time, Mercy likes to pick up new skills including crocheting, gardening, dance, reading, and music. She can be reached at joy.kwama@thekenyatimes.com

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