Education Ministry Probes Kisumu Polytechnic Chief Principal Catherine Kelonye Over Corruption and Mismanagement

The Ministry of Education has formally convened a crisis meeting bringing together representatives of the Kisumu National Polytechnic Students Association (KINAPOSA) and the top leadership of Kisumu National Polytechnic, in a move aimed at resolving the issues that led to the indefinite closure of the institution earlier this month, signaling the government’s urgent intervention to address tensions and facilitate the resumption of academic activities. Chief Principal Catherine Kelonye at the centre of Kisumu Polytechnic probe as Education Ministry investigates fee hikes and management. In an internal memo dated September 28, 2025, Chief Principal Catherine Kelonye informed student leaders and board members that an investigation committee from the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) had been constituted to probe allegations of irregular fee hikes, corruption, and mismanagement at the polytechnic, outlining the ministry’s plan to provide a clear path toward resolving the grievances submitted by the student body. The memo instructed that all parties must present their submissions in person during the committee’s sitting, scheduled for Monday, September 29, 2025, at the institution’s Resource Centre Board Room, stressing the need for direct engagement and the presentation of evidence to allow a full and transparent investigation. “You are hereby invited to present your submissions in person to the investigation committee sitting scheduled on Monday, 29th September, 2025 at 8.00am at the Resource Centre Board Room,” the memo reads in part, giving formal notice and outlining the procedural requirements for students and administrative personnel. The committee, appointed through a letter referenced MOE/TVET/2/21/1 dated September 26, 2025, by the Principal Secretary for TVET, reflects the ministry’s determination to urgently respond to the students’ grievances and restore confidence in the management of the institution, following weeks of unrest that culminated in the closure of the polytechnic on September 19, 2025. The closure, which followed sustained protests and boycotts by students over unexplained fee increases, was prompted by claims from student leaders that the administration charged up to Ksh 88,000 annually, far above the recommended range of Ksh 67,000 to 72,000, with tensions rising after repeated calls for dialogue were reportedly ignored, leading students to submit a formal petition to the Ministry of Education demanding a forensic audit of the institution’s finances and responsibility from senior officials. The ministry’s intervention is being viewed as a turning point in the standoff, which has disrupted learning for thousands of students, first-years and finalists preparing for examinations, and the investigation committee has been tasked with examining the allegations and demands submitted by KINAPOSA to set the stage for lasting resolutions and the resumption of normal learning. “The investigation committee will ascertain the allegations and demands raised by KINAPOSA to pave the way for lasting solutions and the resumption of normal learning,” the memo explains, signaling the process that will guide the resolution of the crisis. Official memo from Kisumu National Polytechnic dated September 2025 inviting KINAPOSA student leaders and administrative staff to present submissions to the TVET investigation committee regarding allegations of fee hikes, mismanagement, and student protests. The meeting is expected to feature submissions from both student leaders and school administrators, involving the County Director–TVET, Dean of Students, Academic Board, Management Board, and Head of Security, allowing all parties to present their perspectives and contribute to a comprehensive review of the situation. Student Association President Silas Adem welcomed the ministry’s decision but stated that students expect action, not promises, saying, “We’re ready to present our case clearly and provide evidence. What we want is transparency, fee refunds where necessary, and accountability from those responsible,” reflecting the urgency and seriousness of the students’ demands. The upcoming session is regarded as a critical step toward calming tensions, restoring order, and reopening Kisumu National Polytechnic, which has remained closed since mid-September, while providing a framework to address administrative lapses and prevent similar disruptions in the future.