Chuka Girls High School Closed Indefinitely After Parents’ Protests
Education Updated: 31 January 2026 21:29 EAT
St Bakhita Chuka Girls High School has been closed following protests by parents over poor academic performance
Chuka Girls High School in Tharaka Nithi County has been closed indefinitely following protests by a section of parents demanding the removal of Chief Principal Joan Muchina over alleged poor academic performance and other grievances.
The protests escalated earlier this week when parents demonstrated at the County Teachers Service Commission (TSC) offices, accusing the principal of mismanagement, intimidation, and mistreatment of students, claims she has strongly denied.
Education officials confirmed that the decision to close the school was reached after tensions persisted, making it difficult for learning to continue normally. Students who had reported back to school were sent home as authorities moved to stabilise the situation.
Tharaka Nithi County Director of Education Leonard Kabaki said the closure is meant to allow investigations into the allegations raised by parents and to restore calm at the institution before reopening.
Initially, the TSC had communicated that the principal would step aside temporarily to allow learning to continue, but the unfolding situation forced authorities to opt for a full closure.
Principal Joan Muchina has dismissed the accusations as a “witch-hunt,” claiming the protests are linked to resistance against reforms she introduced, particularly in procurement and tendering processes.
Some parents, however, insist the school’s academic performance has declined and argue that leadership changes are necessary to protect students’ welfare and the institution’s reputation.
Education officials said the school will remain closed until investigations are concluded, with a reopening date to be communicated once a lasting solution is found.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD