Makueni KNUT Branch Executive Secretary Benson Ndambuki addressing the Media at Wote Greenpark. Photo by Andrew Mbuva 
By Andrew Mbuva
Makueni County KNUT officials have demanded the immediate transfer of County Director of Education Lydia Mutegi, accusing her of undermining consultation, intimidating education officials and presiding over administrative decisions they say are affecting teachers, schools and learners.
The officials staged peaceful demonstrations in Wote on Tuesday, marching from Wote Green Park to the Makueni County Commissioner’s offices, where they presented their grievances and demanded intervention by the Ministry of Education.
Led by Makueni KNUT Branch Executive Secretary Benson Ndambuki, the union officials accused Mutegi of creating strained relations with education stakeholders and making major decisions without adequate consultation.
Ndambuki said the union was particularly concerned about changes to education administrative boundaries, the placement of Grade 10 learners, alleged intimidation of school heads and questions surrounding the management of funds collected through education programmes and activities.
“We demand immediate transfer of Madam Lydia Mutegi from the position of County Director of Education, Makueni County,” Ndambuki said.
The union claimed that the County Education Board had agreed, following public participation, that Kibwezi and Kambu sub-counties should each have four education zones. However, Ndambuki alleged that the decision was subsequently altered, leaving Kibwezi with 37 primary schools, 125 junior secondary schools and 15 senior schools, compared with 56 senior schools in Kambu.
The union demanded an explanation of the process used to review and alter the boundaries, insisting that major decisions affecting schools should involve meaningful consultation with stakeholders.
KNUT also accused Mutegi of referring to members of the Makueni County Education Board as “strangers”, saying the board is a statutory structure in the administration of basic education.
“We demand mutual respect, cooperation and proper consultation between the county director and the board,” Ndambuki said.
The union further raised concerns over the Grade 10 placement process, claiming that some senior schools were not given an opportunity to admit learners through the placement portal.
Ndambuki cited Matiliku Boys Senior School as an example, alleging that the institution had been denied an opportunity to admit Grade 10 learners.
The union called for transparency on the criteria used to determine schools eligible to receive Grade 10 learners, saying students should not lose educational opportunities because of unexplained administrative decisions.
The officials also raised allegations of intimidation and undue pressure against principals and other heads of institutions who question administrative or financial demands.
According to Ndambuki, some school heads had allegedly been asked to contribute money towards personal-related matters through WhatsApp groups associated with the county education office.
The union called for an investigation into the allegations and insisted that official education functions should be separated from personal financial affairs.
“No school head should feel compelled to contribute money because of his or her position in order to get government services,” Ndambuki said.
KNUT further questioned an alleged collection of Sh30 from each of approximately 100,000 secondary school learners, which the union said could amount to about Sh3 million if all learners contributed.
The union demanded a full account of the money collected, including the account where the funds are held, enrolment records and the activities or services funded.
It also called for an independent audit of accounts associated with the County Education Board and other education-related collections, including their signatories and expenditure.
Ndambuki said the union was not making a finding of wrongdoing but wanted the relevant allegations independently investigated so that every shilling collected could be accounted for.
The officials also claimed that one of their officials from Kibwezi Sub-County was reprimanded and taken to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations after questioning the rationale behind the education boundary changes.
They demanded protection for teachers, principals, deputy principals and other education officers who raise concerns over administration, finances and the welfare of learners.
The union invoked Articles 10, 32 and 47 of the Constitution, saying education administration should be guided by public participation, transparency, accountability, professional ethics, efficient use of resources and fair administrative action.
KNUT called on the Ministry of Education to investigate the allegations, establish the facts and take appropriate administrative action where wrongdoing is established.
The union said it would not negotiate for Mutegi to remain in office, insisting that her immediate transfer was its “ultimate demand”.
“We are not going to negotiate for her to stay for even a single day,” Ndambuki said.
The demonstrations come amid continuing scrutiny of education administration in Makueni. Mutegi was appointed County Director of Education for Makueni in 2025 after being transferred from Kirinyaga.
KNUT said its broader message was that Makueni needs an education system that listens to stakeholders, protects teachers and school administrators, provides equal opportunities for learners and ensures transparency in the management of education services.
