Tensions are boiling over as teachers accuse Principal Mrs. Benina Soi of installing covert surveillance equipment in the staffroom without their consent.
This bombshell has the community talking, and it’s raising serious questions about privacy, trust, and school priorities.
What’s the Issue at Kapsaos Secondary School?
On June 3, 2025, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), Uasin Gishu County branch, dropped a formal letter that’s got everyone buzzing. They’re calling out Mrs. Soi for allegedly setting up covert audio surveillance in the staffroom to eavesdrop on private conversations.
KUPPET says this violates teachers’ rights under Article 31 of the Kenyan Constitution, which protects privacy.
“This is a gross infringement on privacy and professional integrity,” said Mr. Elijah Maiyo, KUPPET County Secretary. He claims the equipment captures discussions, especially during meetings Mrs. Soi doesn’t attend. But that’s not all—there’s more to this story.
Conflict of Interest Allegations
Here’s where it gets messier. KUPPET alleges that Mrs. Soi’s son, Mr. Albert Soin, installed the surveillance system and was “paid handsomely” for it. Sounds fishy, right? The union is demanding a full investigation into the tendering process, suspecting a conflict of interest. They want any misused funds refunded and redirected to academic programs that could benefit students in Eldoret’s Kapsaos Secondary School.
Transparency matters, especially in a community hub like Kapsaos, where parents and teachers expect fairness. If these allegations are true, it could shake trust in school leadership across Uasin Gishu County.
Declining Academic Performance Raises Red Flags
Beyond the surveillance drama, KUPPET is sounding the alarm on Kapsaos Secondary School’s performance. Enrollment has plummeted from 700 to just 150 students in two years. That’s a massive drop! Mr. Maiyo argues that the principal’s focus on surveillance is misplaced when academic recovery should be the priority. Shouldn’t a school near Eldoret’s bustling Kapsoya area be thriving, not struggling?
Here’s what KUPPET is pushing for:
– Remove the surveillance system by June 9, 2025, or face “unspecified action.”
– Investigate the tendering process for potential conflicts of interest.
– Redirect misused funds to improve academics and boost enrollment.
Why This Matters to Eldoret Residents
Kapsaos Secondary School isn’t just a school—it’s part of Eldoret’s fabric, serving families from Kapsoya to Pioneer Estate. When trust breaks down between teachers and leadership, it affects our kids’ education. Parents sending their children to Kapsaos deserve to know that their teachers work in an environment that respects their rights. Plus, a declining student population could hurt the school’s reputation and even local property values in areas like Kapsaos Ward.
The community is watching closely. Will the Ministry of Education or the Teachers Service Commission step in? Efforts to reach Mrs. Soi for comment have been unsuccessful, leaving many questions unanswered. Meanwhile, KUPPET’s deadline looms, and Eldoret residents are bracing for what’s next.
What Can You Do?
As Eldoret locals, we have a stake in this. Whether you’re grabbing chai near Eldoret Sports Club or chatting at the market, talk about this issue. Support our teachers by staying informed and voicing your concerns. If you’re a parent at Kapsaos Secondary School, reach out to school officials or KUPPET for updates. Together, we can push for transparency and a focus on quality education.
