The Board of Management of Muhoroni Township Primary and Junior School in Kisumu County, Kenya, has formally opposed the transfer of its headteacher, Kenneth Omware Odhiambo, by filing a petition with the Teacher Service Commission (TSC) County Educational Director. The petition highlights that the school was preparing for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) when the transfer was announced. The board argues that the timing of the transfer would jeopardize student performance in these crucial exams.
The Anglican Church of Kenya's Diocese of Maseno East has also intervened in the matter, sending a letter to the TSC County Director on July 16, 2026, requesting that Odhiambo be retained for an additional three years. The church cited Odhiambo's significant contributions to the school's growth during his tenure. Since his appointment, Odhiambo has overseen a substantial increase in national school admissions, from five to 25 learners, including five placements at Starehe School.
Under Odhiambo's leadership, the school has undergone extensive infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of new lockers, classroom tiling, pit latrines, a kitchen, poultry unit, water tanks, and full classroom electrification. These developments have significantly improved the learning environment for students. The board contests the appointment of the incoming headteacher, describing the nominee as harsh, violent, and lacking academic credentials.
The board also asserts that neither they nor Odhiambo had requested the transfer, raising concerns about the abrupt nature of the decision. TSC Sub-County Director Cyphus Nyamisoa Kiriama acknowledged receipt of the petition on July 13, 2026, confirming that it had been forwarded to the County Director. Kiriama noted that an appeal by the outgoing headteacher was pending while normal learning continued at the school.
In response to the petition, the incoming headteacher's legal representatives issued a defamation notice to the petition's authors, demanding a cease-and-desist, an apology, and threatening legal action if the demands were not met within 14 days. This development has added another layer of complexity to the already contentious situation.
The school is currently preparing for the KPSEA and KJSEA exams, which are critical assessments for students. The board's petition and the church's intervention underscore the importance of stability in the school's leadership during this period. The TSC County Director's decision on the matter will likely have significant implications for the school and its students.
As the situation unfolds, the school community remains anxious about the potential impact on the students' academic performance. The outcome of the petition and the TSC's decision will be closely watched by stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and students. The school's future and the students' educational prospects hang in the balance, making a swift and fair resolution crucial.
Key points
- The Board of Management of Muhoroni Township Primary and Junior School has petitioned the TSC County Director to halt the transfer of headteacher Kenneth Odhiambo.
- The school is preparing for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).
- The Anglican Church of Kenya's Diocese of Maseno East has requested that Odhiambo be retained for an additional three years, citing his contributions to school growth.
