CS for Education and TVET Secretary at odds over important appointments.
Unexpectedly, a heated argument between Dr. Esther Muoria, the principal secretary for technical, vocational education and training (TVET), and Ezekiel Machogu, the education cabinet secretary, has broken out within the Kenyan ministry of education. This disagreement centers on a top leadership post within the ministry, which creates the conditions for a fierce power battle.
Machogu didn’t waste any time in establishing his dominance by issuing a severe warning. He unambiguously said that any contempt for the duly constituted Director of Technical Education, Dr. Meshack C. Opwora, would result in appropriate action in accordance with the law and regulatory framework in a letter dated September 1, 2023.
It was not only government agency leaders who received this warning; it was also well-known educators like Dr. Muoria, Dr. Belio Kipsang, and Dr. Beatrice Inyangala.
According to sources within the ministry, Dr. Muoria’s intention to install another senior officer as the Acting Director of Technical Education, potentially displacing Dr. Opwora, is what led to Machogu’s severe warning. On April 12, Dr. Muoria appointed John Kiplagat Tuwei to serve as the acting director of the Department of Technical and Vocational Education (DTE).
CS for Education and TVET Secretary at odds over important appointments
In spite of Dr. Opwora’s prior confirmation for the job, tensions rose during a TVET meeting on August 25 when Dr. Muoria introduced Tuwei as the Director for Technical Education.
Dr. Muoria has stayed silent in reaction to these events, failing to comment and just noting that she is unable to offer her opinion on a letter written by her boss.
Kenya’s education sector is watching the situation closely as it develops since further action in this ongoing dispute could have an effect on the country’s TVET programs’ leadership and planning.
High-ranking officials clashing highlights the difficulties and complexity of Kenya’s educational system, as well as the delicate balance of politics and power that can affect important ministry decisions. Although the effects of this power struggle are still unknown, it is clear that as long as these tensions exist, technical and vocational education in Kenya is in jeopardy.
CS for Education and TVET Secretary at odds over important appointments.