The government has reassured parents, students and the wider community that Chemelil Sugar Academy and Chemelil Sugar Primary School in Muhoroni Sub-County, Kisumu County, remain public institutions under the full management of the Ministry of Education.
Agriculture Principal Secretary (PS), Dr. Paul Ronoh, clarified that the two schools were not part of the lease agreement through which Chemelil Sugar Factory was handed over to a private investor, the Chatthe Group. He said the leasing arrangement strictly focused on reviving sugar milling operations and did not include educational facilities.
Dr. Ronoh made the clarification during a stakeholder consultative meeting held at Chemelil Sugar Academy on Monday, following protests by a section of parents last week that disrupted the reopening of the schools.
“I want to assure parents that Chemelil Sugar Academy is owned by the government. This guarantees public oversight and ensures the schools continue to uphold quality education, accountability and transparency,” said Dr. Ronoh.
He explained that management of the schools has fully reverted to the Ministry of Education, adding that the recent unrest was triggered by misinformation regarding ownership and control of the institutions.
However, the PS noted that the Chatthe Group remains the key sponsor of the schools, and the new management of Chemelil Sugar Company will continue supporting them through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“The intention of leasing the sugar factory was to allow the investor to focus on revitalizing the sugar sector. It was never meant to interfere with education or take over learning institutions,” he emphasized.
To strengthen governance and ensure sustainability, Dr. Ronoh announced that the government has constituted a multi-agency team comprising officials from the Ministry of Education, the State Department of Agriculture, the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), and the Board of Management (BOM).
The team has been tasked with developing a practical, improved and sustainable model for managing Chemelil Sugar Academy.
Parents and the school administration have since endorsed the transition from the current management structure to a more sustainable governance framework.
Dr. Ronoh further revealed that a joint transition committee bringing together representatives from the Ministries of Education and Agriculture and Livestock Development, teachers and parents has been formed to guide the process.
“The team will design a sustainable governance model that strengthens school operations, improves resource management and ensures learners benefit from a well-structured and supportive learning environment,” he said.
The committee is expected to present its recommendations on the appropriate management model within one week.
The PS commended parents, teachers and the wider school community for their efforts in reopening and stabilizing the institution after last week’s disruptions.
He underscored the need for a new management structure that prioritizes stronger oversight, improved governance, regular communication and consistent Board of Management meetings.
Dr. Ronoh also urged the incoming BOM to uphold integrity and eliminate corruption through organized and effective supervision.
“If funds contributed by parents are well managed, they will support the school’s growth and adequately meet the needs of the learners,” he said.
He encouraged parents to return their children to school, assuring them of improved management under the leadership of the Ministry of Education, with support from local administration and other key stakeholders.
The PS cautioned against politicizing education matters, stressing that schools are centers for mentorship, learning and character development and must be managed with professionalism, wisdom, order and objectivity.
By Robert Ojwang’
