The situation at St Joseph Boys’ School in Kitale has reached a boiling point, as reports have emerged of a potential conflict of interest involving the school’s Board of Management Chairman, Bishop Crowley, and the proposed new principal, Mr. Nabungolo.
According to sources, Bishop Crowley, who recently retired as the chairman of the Trans Nzoia diocese, proposed Mr. Nabungolo to take over as the new principal of St Joseph Boys’ School to the CEO of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Nancy Macharia.
However, the school’s parents’ association, Board of Management, and Head of Departments have expressed their dissatisfaction with this proposal.
Mr. Nabungolo has a questionable track record, having been chased away from St Peter’s Boys’ School in Mumias for poor performance, and having previously been the principal of St Anthony Boys’ School in Kitale, where he oversaw widespread exam cheating and lack of school development.
Furthermore, it has been alleged that Bishop Crowley and Mr. Nabungolo have had a business partnership for over 20 years and that the reason for Bishop Crowley’s insistence on Mr Nabongolo taking over as principal is to continue to profit off the school through their joint business ventures.
They lease land, plant maize and beans and supply all the catholic schools under the Trans Nzoia diocese.
Bishop Crowley retired last Saturday and a new Bishop Mr Henry Juma Odunya has taken over. The event was attended by president Ruto, Wetangula, Mudavadi, Governor Natembeya, amongst others senior leaders in Kenya.
His retirement and the recent transfer of teachers and principals by the TSC have led to speculation that he is attempting to install Mr. Nabongolo as the new principal in order to continue receiving kickbacks in his retirement.
Furthermore, it has also been alleged that Mr. Nabungolo has faked his age and disability status in order to extend his tenure as a teacher and receive a tax-free salary and import two tax-free cars in a span of 5 years.
The question remains, why is Mr. Nabungolo, who is not wanted by teachers, parents, non-teaching staff, and the Board of Management, still pushing to be appointed as the new principal of St Joseph Boys’ School?
And why is Nancy Macharia, the CEO of TSC, ignoring the advice of the school’s Board of Management?
The possibility exists that Mr. Nabungolo may be part of a clique of chief principals who fund Nancy Macharia’s escapades, and this raises questions about the integrity and transparency of the TSC’s decision-making process.
The fact that Mr. Nabungolo has been able to influence the TSC CEO despite the objections of the school’s parents’ association, Board of Management and HODs, suggests that he may have compromising information or leverage over her.
The allegations that Mr. Nabungolo has been involved in unethical business practices with Bishop Crowley, and that he has falsified his age and disability status to extend his tenure, further calls into question his suitability to lead a school.
The KenyanBulletin would like to call for an investigation into the matter and a thorough examination of the TSC’s decision-making process, in order to ensure that the best interests of the students and the integrity of the education system are upheld.
