Officials Dismiss Misuse Claims at Eldoret School for Learners With Disabilities
Speaking after the meeting, Rop said allegations circulating on social media that the school’s head teacher had misappropriated funds from a multimillion-shilling renovation project were false.
Turbo Deputy County Commissioner Henry Rop. Photo: Hubz Media.
By Robert Mutasi
Government officials have dismissed claims of financial mismanagement at the Eldoret School for Learners with Intellectual and Mental Disabilities, assuring parents that no public or donor funds have been lost and that concerns surrounding the institution are being addressed through the appropriate legal and administrative channels.
The assurances were issued after a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Deputy County Commissioner Henry Rop and attended by area leaders, education officials, representatives from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, school administrators and other stakeholders.
Speaking after the meeting, Rop said allegations circulating on social media that the school’s head teacher had misappropriated funds from a multimillion-shilling renovation project were false.
According to the deputy county commissioner, the renovation project funded by the Safaricom Foundation is valued at Sh62.48 million. He clarified that the money has not yet been disbursed because the project remains at the procurement stage.
“The procurement process is ongoing, and physical planning must be completed before contractors are awarded the tender. No money has been released or spent at this stage,” Rop said.
He urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could damage the reputation of the school and its management.
Rop acknowledged that governance concerns had emerged within the institution but said stakeholders had agreed that the County Education Board would address the matter during its meeting scheduled for next week.
He said discussions would include the dissolution of the current board of management and the appointment of a new one to strengthen governance and improve oversight.
“The school requires unity among teachers, administrators and all stakeholders. It is the only institution of its kind serving learners with intellectual disabilities in Eldoret and the wider region, and its operations must continue without disruption,” he said.
Officials also pledged that all funds allocated to the institution would be managed in accordance with the law and subjected to strict accountability measures.
Rop said the Ministry of Education’s county audit team would conduct an independent audit to verify financial records and confirm whether any irregularities had occurred.
He stressed that the audit would provide an objective assessment and help restore public confidence in the institution.
On allegations of sexual abuse and other forms of misconduct that have also been raised by parents, Rop said investigations were ongoing and urged the public to allow the legal process to take its course.
He said the Ministry of Education had already completed its internal investigations and was in the process of forwarding the case file to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations for further action where necessary.
“We will not allow any child to be abused or mistreated. Anyone found culpable will face the law,” he said.
Rop added that every individual accused of wrongdoing must also be accorded a fair hearing before any disciplinary or legal action is taken.
County Director of Education David Koge said education officials remained committed to ensuring transparency throughout the investigations and called on the media to report verified facts.
“We will support you in ensuring that the public receives a credible story based on facts,” Koge said.
National Council for Persons with Disabilities County Coordinator Helen Chwe also reassured parents that the welfare and safety of learners remained a priority.
She encouraged parents to continue enrolling children with disabilities at the institution, saying the concerns raised had been addressed and that the school remained safe for learners.
Officials concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to improving governance, strengthening accountability and ensuring that the institution continues to provide quality education and care for children with disabilities across the North Rift region.
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