Students Protest at Godoma Technical Institute, Kilifi: Calls for Principal’s Dismissal.
Students from the Godoma Technical and Training Institute in Kilifi staged demonstrations on Thursday outside the campus, demanding the immediate dismissal of the institution’s principal.
The protest took place along the Kilifi-Matano Manne Road, with students accusing the administration of poor management, including the recent increase in tuition and exam fees for all students.
Key Issues: Fees, Meals, and Healthcare
The students expressed frustration over several issues, primarily the fee hikes and inadequate services. They criticized the institution for:
- Raising tuition and examination fees
- Providing subpar meals
- Constructing insufficient healthcare facilities to address the health needs of students who often fall sick during their studies
According to the students, multiple attempts to discuss these issues with the administration yielded no results, leaving them with no choice but to resort to protest.
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They conveyed dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of their grievances and voiced concerns about the institution’s overall governance.
Teacher Transfers and Shortages
The protesting students further lamented the frequent transfer of teachers, which they claimed negatively impacted their learning environment. They noted that these constant staff changes dampened their motivation, as the lack of continuity disrupted learning.
One protester explained that teachers were often transferred without their consent and cited an example of a teacher trained in electrical engineering who had been reassigned to teach automotive engineering. They also highlighted the lack of laboratories, which further hindered practical learning.
During the protest, students blocked the Kilifi-Matano Manne highway, forcing drivers to find alternative routes. Footage circulated online showed students carrying placards and twigs, marching in unison along the busy road and calling for the principal’s resignation due to alleged incompetence.
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The students appealed to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos to send auditors to investigate the institution thoroughly. They urged the Ministry of Education to hold the administration accountable and implement changes to address their grievances.
The demonstration at Godoma College is one of several recent student protests across the country. Despite government interventions aimed at addressing crises within tertiary institutions, numerous issues remain unresolved, continuing to stir unrest among students.
Students Protest at Godoma Technical Institute, Kilifi: Calls for Principal’s Dismissal.
