Parents of learners at Chemelil Sugar Academy in Muhoroni Sub County, Kisumu County, have threatened to seek legal redress over a management dispute that has stalled the school’s reopening.
The academy, a top-performing mixed boarding high school located within the Chemelil sugar factory precincts, started experiencing an operational and governance crisis after a change in administration on November 1, 2025.
The transition followed the entry of Kibos Sugar & Allied Industries as an investor to operate the sugar factory under a 30-year lease.
Led by Parents Association chairperson Frederick Otieno, the parents on Tuesday accused the new management of operating without transparency and accountability, particularly in matters affecting the school.
“We have been sidelined in the making of crucial decisions affecting the school, which has significantly impacted the welfare and academic progress of our children,” Otieno said.
Another parent, Moses Abiero, claimed that the new administration had reduced teachers’ salaries and dismissed some staff, a move he said had created a hostile learning environment and lowered morale among both students and employees.
“The new contracts issued to workers came with pay cuts of more than 50 percent. For instance, a cook who had worked here for 22 years and was earning Sh65,000 had his salary reduced to Sh32,000,” Abiero alleged.
Abiero further stated that parents’ attempts to engage the new management had been unsuccessful, leaving them with no option but to move to court in the interest of the learners.
Edith Osire reiterated that parents would continue pushing for reforms until the school’s management demonstrates openness, responsibility, and a clear commitment to the welfare of students.
By Robert Ojwang’
