Prominent Christian private learning institution Sunshine Schools, located along Lang’ata Road opposite Wilson Airport in Nairobi, is now at the centre of allegations involving unpaid holiday tuition for teachers and claims of entrenched tribal bias in staff promotions, despite its public image as a model of academic excellence, Christian values, and holistic education.
The controversy stems from a holiday e-learning and mentorship programme introduced during the April break, for which each parent was reportedly charged for a two-week session under the expectation that participating teachers would be compensated for their additional time and commitment.
Concerns began to emerge when, according to accounts from within the school community, staff members allegedly did not receive any payment for the extra duties undertaken during the programme, even after repeated enquiries were directed to the coordinator responsible for its administration.
As this matter persisted, it caught the attention of social media commentator Cyprian Is Nyakundi, after whistleblowers reached out to him with detailed claims of unpaid dues and what they described as “stinking levels of tribalism” in the institution’s promotion practices.
The issue appears to be resurfacing as the institution prepares to launch another session of the same programme, which reportedly commenced this week, again charging each parent a similar fee.
This has reignited frustration among teachers who feel their work is being exploited, as well as parents who believe that the money they pay should directly benefit those delivering the service.
At the heart of the dispute is the claim that while the school collects substantial amounts from parents for these holiday initiatives, the funds are not translating into fair compensation for the teachers who dedicate their holiday time to the programme.
Adding to the controversy are allegations of a deep-seated tribal imbalance in staff promotions, with claims that leadership roles and advancement opportunities overwhelmingly favour individuals from one ethnic group.
Staff members who spoke anonymously for fear of professional retaliation say that such practices have bred resentment and lowered morale among hardworking teachers who feel overlooked despite their dedication and achievements.
One whistleblower expressed the frustration clearly in a message shared with Nyakundi: “Hi Cyprian. I have an exposure of Sunshine Schools, Lang’ata. Unpaid holiday tuitions yet the parents are paying for the tuitions and stinking levels of tribalism. The school started what it’s calling an e-learning and mentorship program for all students over the April holidays.
The parents paid 8,000 for the two weeks and it was expected that the teachers would get paid for committing their time. We asked questions through the person in charge of the programme but no answer was given. They started on Monday again, another 8,000 per parent, yet the teachers are not getting anything.
Cyprian, the levels of tribalism in Sunshine Schools are alarming; all promotions are a one-tribe (Kalenjin) thing.”
These developments have raised urgent calls for the school’s board of governors, the Teachers Service Commission, and the Ministry of Education to investigate the allegations. Affected staff and some parents argue that transparency, accountability, and fairness must be restored to protect both the institution’s reputation and the welfare of its educators.
More individuals are being encouraged to speak out about their experiences to help expose the full extent of the issue.
The handling of these grievances will be a key test for the school’s leadership and for education regulators, as the trust between institutions, teachers, parents, and students remains a critical pillar in sustaining quality education.
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