Nkabune residents renew protests over alleged poor management at technical institute
A resident addresses the press during the demonstrations at Nkabune . Photo by Brian Gitonga
Second demonstration in three weeks piles pressure on institute leadership over unmet 21-day pledge
By Brian Gitonga
Residents of Nkabune staged fresh protests yesterday against the management of Nkabune Technical Training Institute, marking their second demonstration in three weeks as they pressed for government intervention over what they described as unresolved leadership and management concerns at the institution.
Speaking during the protest, residents said concerns raised during their earlier demonstration had not been addressed despite assurances that action would be taken within 21 days. They questioned claims about student enrolment at the institution, alleging that the number of learners physically attending was significantly lower than figures they had previously been given.
“When we protested last time, we were informed that the institution had around 6,000 students, yet when you come to the ground, we have fewer than 1,000 students,” the residents said.
They added that they had expected improvements following the previous demonstration, including measures to increase student numbers and address concerns affecting the institution. Instead, they alleged that relations between the institution and the surrounding community had deteriorated, with residents losing access to facilities they had previously used, including the institution’s football pitch. According to the residents, the restrictions had added to their frustrations and strengthened their resolve to continue demanding change.
“We were promised that in 21 days something would be done, but nothing has been done as we speak. The intimidation has continued, and even facilities we have been using as a community have been locked, and we cannot access the grounds,” they said.
The residents also raised questions over the position of the institution’s principal, alleging that she had previously been issued with a transfer letter but had remained at the college after obtaining a stay. They said they had now been asked to wait a further 21 days — a proposal they were unwilling to accept.
Malonzo, one of the protesters, questioned how long the situation would continue, arguing that the community wanted clarity from the relevant government authorities on the alleged transfer and the future management of the institution.
“She went and obtained a stay letter, and now they have told us to wait for another 21 days, which we will not accept because we know what will happen. We wonder how long she will continue being given a stay,” Malonzo said.
The protesters vowed to continue demonstrating until their grievances were addressed, saying the dispute was also affecting economic activity around the institution. Residents who depend on students to rent houses or support local businesses said reduced student numbers had affected their income. They further alleged that employment opportunities for members of the surrounding community had declined, claiming some local casual labourers previously employed at the institution had lost their jobs. They argued the college should benefit the surrounding community through employment and other economic opportunities while fulfilling its educational mandate.
“Even casual labourers from this community who worked at the institution have been fired. That is why we are saying that even the presence of this institution is not helping us, because the opportunities are benefiting people from far away,” said Mary, a resident.
The residents maintained that their demonstrations were not motivated by personal hostility towards the principal, saying their concerns centred on the management of the institution and its relationship with the surrounding community. They said they wanted the government to intervene and provide a lasting solution.
They also said students had taken part in the earlier demonstration, while residents had initially held back to allow time for the issues to be addressed. With the 21-day period having elapsed, they said they had returned to the streets, believing insufficient progress had been made.
The residents appealed to President William Ruto’s administration and relevant education authorities to intervene, investigate their complaints and resolve the dispute, saying prolonged uncertainty was affecting both the institution and businesses that depend on its student population.
Efforts to reach the Nkabune Technical Training Institute principal for a right of reply were unsuccessful. Repeated calls went unanswered, and by the time of publication, she had not responded to the claims.
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Mt Kenya Times ePAPER August 27, 2026
- Opposition will have a candidate by April, says Gachagua
- Kalonzo takes his campaign to the people across three counties
- Kenya’s election technology tender: A KSh10B procurement under fire
- The goon question: What Ruto’s vow to act personally really means for Kenya
About the Author
