Dozens of parents at Simat High School staged a protest Tuesday, July 30, calling for the immediate removal of the school principal, accusing him of financial mismanagement, student mistreatment, and lack of transparency.
The demonstration took place outside the school gates following weeks of tension between the school administration and the parent community.
Parents allege misuse of school funds and harassment
According to parents, the principal has been mismanaging school finances and enforcing harsh policies. Kipkorir Menjo, one of the parents leading the protest, said the administration had turned the school into a “toll station.”
“Every other week, we are forced to clear all school fees or submit unnecessary paperwork. It’s become unbearable,” Menjo said, adding that the school’s board should be dissolved if it continues to support what he called a “failed leadership structure.”
The protesting parents issued a one-week ultimatum to the school board to remove the principal or face a school shutdown.
Students forced to walk to education office
Parents expressed outrage after students reportedly walked several kilometers to the County Director of Education’s office in Eldoret to air grievances, raising concerns about student safety.
“The children were sent out early in the morning without protection. That’s irresponsible,” said Rael Chemweno, a parent. “When the students protested earlier, the administration forced each of them to return with their parents and pay Sh10,000 for alleged damages.”
However, a visit to the school compound by members of the media revealed little to no visible damage, leaving many parents questioning how the money was used.
Concerns over teacher conduct and school culture
One parent, who requested anonymity, criticized the dress code of some female teachers, calling it inappropriate and disrespectful toward students.
“They are supposed to be role models. The way some of them dress is not suitable in a school environment,” the parent said.
Single mother voices frustration over rising school costs
Perez Wamboi, a single mother with two children enrolled at Simat High, said she was heartbroken after her Form Four son was sent home despite having paid Sh15,000 in school fees.
“My son had to use a conductor’s phone to call me. I’m doing all I can to keep my kids in school, and this treatment is painful,” she said.
Parents seek intervention
The parents are now appealing to the Ministry of Education to intervene and investigate the principal’s conduct. They maintain that unless swift action is taken, they will not allow the school to reopen.
