Bungoma National Polytechnic has come under intense scrutiny following protests from parents and students over a hefty Ksh 10,000 fine imposed on each student after a recent strike.
The strike was reportedly fueled by allegations of deep-seated corruption and mismanagement within the institution.
According to reports by blogger and activist Cyprian Is Nyakundi, the situation exposes the extent of rot in the institution, where looting and irregularities have allegedly become commonplace.
Parents have expressed their frustrations, noting that many students who were not involved in the strike, including those on attachment in cities such as Nairobi, Eldoret, and Kisumu, as well as students at the town campus, are being unfairly penalized.
These parents, already struggling to pay outstanding fees, argue that the fine is unjustifiable and unrealistic. One parent lamented, “How can we pay this fine when we are already in arrears?”
This sentiment is echoed by many who feel the administration is exploiting the situation to enrich itself further.
The strike was reportedly triggered by numerous grievances from students, which highlight severe mismanagement at the institution.
According to Nyakundi’s reports, over 400 bags of maize meant for the institution were allegedly transported to the principal’s home.
Additionally, vital equipment such as tractors, harrows, and balers were said to have been moved to private properties.
The looting allegedly extended to livestock, with dairy animals reportedly distributed among the principal and local politicians.
It is claimed that most of the institution’s animals are now housed in the homes of these politicians.
The issues do not end there. Reports indicate that 46 employees were dismissed and replaced with staff from one ethnic community, raising concerns about nepotism and tribalism.
Meanwhile, students have reportedly been left without adequate learning materials, making it impossible to carry out essential practical lessons.
This has further fueled frustration and dissatisfaction among the institution’s 9,300 students.
Despite these serious allegations, the administration’s focus has been on imposing fines, which could amount to a staggering Ksh 93 million in total.
Critics argue that the actual damage caused during the strike is minimal, with estimates suggesting it does not exceed Ksh 2 million.
The damage allegedly includes a broken main gate and some damaged computers, which they claim would cost less than Ksh 300,000 to repair.
However, Cyprian Is Nyakundi has revealed that the administration, in collaboration with a local politician, is inflating the cost of rebuilding the main gate to a shocking Ksh 40 million.
The revelations point to a larger scheme of mismanagement and exploitation, with the fine being viewed as a cover to collect money for personal enrichment.
Parents and students are now demanding accountability from the institution’s leadership and are calling on relevant authorities to intervene and address these alarming allegations.
The situation at Bungoma National Polytechnic serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency and integrity in educational institutions.
Without immediate action, the future of thousands of students remains uncertain, while those in power continue to benefit from the institution’s resources unchecked.
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