Parents at Simat High School demand principal’s removal over alleged mismanagement
Menjo also called for the school board to be disbanded, warning that parents would shut down the institution if their concerns were not addressed within a week.
Angry parents of Simat high school in a story meeting demanding the removal of the school prisscipal.
By Jessica Nyaboke
Tension escalated at Simat High School on Tuesday, July 30, as parents held a protest demanding the immediate removal of the school principal over claims of financial mismanagement and mistreatment of students.
The demonstration followed reports of poor leadership and what parents described as a breakdown in school administration.
Parents accuse principal of financial mismanagement
Speaking to the press outside the school compound, several parents accused the principal of squandering school funds and running the institution like a private business. “This school has been turned into a toll station,” said Kipkorir Menjo, a concerned parent. “Parents are constantly harassed to clear all fees or bring unnecessary documents. It’s unacceptable.”
Menjo also called for the school board to be disbanded, warning that parents would shut down the institution if their concerns were not addressed within a week.
Students marched to education office over grievances
According to protesting parents, the situation has deteriorated to the point that students were forced to walk several kilometers early in the morning to the Uasin Gishu County Director of Education office in Eldoret to report their grievances. Parents said the march put students’ safety at risk and reflected the administration’s failure to resolve internal issues.
“The children were left to fend for themselves early in the morning just to seek help. That is not only irresponsible but dangerous,” said Rael Chemweno, another parent.
Parents dispute damage claims, call fines a “cash cow”
Chemweno also criticized the administration’s decision to fine students Sh10,000 each as compensation for damage following a past student rampage. “We are being exploited. There is no visible damage to match what they are charging,” she said.
A spot check by the media found minimal signs of destruction in the school, raising concerns that the imposed fines may be excessive.
Allegations of inappropriate staff conduct
Adding to the unrest, another parent, who requested anonymity, accused some female teachers of dressing inappropriately, saying their appearance was not suitable for a school setting and did not set a proper example for students.
Struggling single mother speaks out
Perez Wamboi, a single mother with two children enrolled at the school, shared her distress over being unable to keep up with school fee demands. “I managed to pay Sh15,000, but my Form Four son was still sent away. He had to borrow a phone from a conductor to call me. This is a heartbreaking situation,” she said.
Parents issue ultimatum
The parents have now issued a one-week ultimatum demanding the removal of the principal and school board. If their demands are not met, they say they will take action, including closing down the school.
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