Kipsigak Boys’ High School in Nandi Central faces upheaval as approximately 400 students have been sent home following a fire incident that destroyed dormitories. The school, already grappling with instability and accusations against the principal, now contends with the aftermath of the inferno. This incident adds to the challenges the school has been facing, including a previous attack and ongoing investigations into potential arson.
Quick Summary
- 400 Students Sent Home: Forms 2, 3, and 4 students at Kipsigak Boys’ High School have been sent home after dormitories were destroyed in a fire incident. Form One students remain at the school.
- Investigations Underway: Authorities, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), are conducting investigations to determine whether the fire was caused by students or external forces.
- Previous Attack and Instability: The school suffered an attack a week ago, and ongoing tension includes demands from some parents and students for the transfer of the principal, alleging poor results and accusations related to examination integrity.
- Arson Suspected: The fire on Saturday night is suspected to be arson, ruling out electrical faults as a cause. The incident occurred during preparatory lessons, and two dormitories were completely consumed.
- Exam Cheating Allegations: Some parents and students accuse the principal of failing to assist 2023 KCSE candidates in compromising examination integrity, leading to demands for the principal’s transfer.
- County Director’s Response: The county director dismisses demands for the principal’s transfer, emphasizing that examination cheating cannot be condoned, and the principal’s actions uphold the integrity of national examinations.
- Kipsigak’s Academic Performance: Kipsigak Boys’ High School, facing scrutiny from the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), had a mean score of 4.7 in the 2023 KCSE examinations.
Arson Investigations and Student Displacement
Kipsigak Boys’ High School faces a challenging situation with the displacement of 400 students following a fire incident that destroyed dormitories. The decision to send Forms 2, 3, and 4 students home while retaining Form One students is a precautionary measure amid ongoing investigations into the cause of the fire.
Investigations and Arson Suspicions
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken charge of the investigations, aiming to determine whether the fire resulted from internal factors involving the students or external forces. The suspicion of arson is supported by the similarity to a previous attack a week ago, ruling out electrical faults. The fire occurred during preparatory lessons, leading to the loss of belongings for several students.
Principal’s Role and Transfer Demands
The school’s challenges extend beyond the fire incident. Some parents and students have been pressing for the transfer of the school’s principal, Z.K. Chepchieng, citing allegations of poor academic results and accusing him of failing to support 2023 KCSE candidates in compromising examination integrity.
County Director’s Response
Nandi County Director of Education, Harrison Muriuki, rejects the demands for the principal’s transfer, emphasizing the importance of maintaining examination integrity. He expresses concern over demands that condone cheating and highlights the principal’s commitment to upholding the standards of national examinations.
Kipsigak’s Academic Performance
Kipsigak Boys’ High School has been under scrutiny by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), with a mean score of 4.7 in the 2023 KCSE examinations. The school’s performance has been a subject of focus, especially considering the recent incidents and the demands for the principal’s transfer.
Final Thoughts
Kipsigak Boys’ High School grapples with a complex situation involving a fire incident, accusations against the principal, and demands for transfer. The ongoing investigations will shed light on the cause of the fire, and addressing the underlying issues, including demands for the principal’s transfer, will be crucial for restoring stability and maintaining the school’s academic reputation.