KUPPET Calls for Bungoma Education Director’s Transfer Over Corruption, Harassment.
The Bungoma County KUPPET Branch Executive Secretary, Augustine Kundu Luketelo, has urged the Ministry of Education to transfer County Director of Education Pius Ng’oma.
Luketelo accused Ng’oma of engaging in corruption and harassing secondary school principals. He claimed the director has been soliciting money from school heads while subjecting them to threats and intimidation.
These allegations surfaced during a press briefing at St Mary’s Sosi Girls in Kimilili Constituency after an education stakeholders meeting attended by school principals. Luketelo emphasized that his office has received numerous complaints from school heads detailing misconduct by the County Director.
Luketelo attributed the declining performance in national examinations across Bungoma County to Ng’oma’s leadership style. He said the frustration and demoralization of principals and headteachers have adversely impacted their ability to deliver quality education. Despite raising these concerns with the Education Ministry since last year, no action has been taken.
The KUPPET Secretary warned that the union might block the director from accessing his office if immediate measures are not implemented. He reiterated that poor leadership has resulted in a significant decline in academic achievements.
County Director Responds to Accusations
In response to these allegations, Pius Ng’oma dismissed Luketelo’s claims, labeling them as unprofessional. He argued that the unionist was attempting to shield school principals implicated in questionable financial dealings.
Ng’oma stated that he cannot tolerate principals who misuse funds meant for infrastructural development or send students home over school fees, jeopardizing their studies.
Ng’oma maintained that the interests of the government must take precedence over personal grievances, asserting that he would continue to uphold accountability among school heads. He challenged Luketelo to provide concrete evidence to support the corruption and harassment claims.
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Education stakeholders in Bungoma have expressed concern over the ongoing discord. Two school principals, speaking anonymously, confirmed the existence of intimidation and financial demands but declined to comment further for fear of reprisal.
Another stakeholder highlighted the need for impartial investigations to resolve the matter amicably.
This conflict underscores the necessity of fostering collaboration between unions and education authorities to enhance service delivery and safeguard academic standards.
KUPPET Calls for Bungoma Education Director’s Transfer Over Corruption, Harassment.
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