A section of Nkabune residents in Imenti East has raised concerns over the management of Nkabune Technical Training Institute, accusing the institution’s leadership of sidelining the local community and failing to engage key stakeholders despite the institution being located in the area.
The concerns were raised during a meeting attended by Imenti East Assistant County Commissioner James Mbaya, who had been invited by residents to listen to grievances they said have persisted without a solution.
Speaking during the meeting, the residents led by Stephen Malonzo said the community was forced to seek government intervention due to what they described as longstanding challenges involving the institution.
“What has forced us to call him are the persistent issues whereby at Nkabune Technical Training Institute there is a problem,” said Malonzo.
Residents alleged that relations between the institution’s management and the Catholic Church, which sponsors the institute, have been strained since the current principal took over about two years ago.
They alleged that the principal has not maintained communication with the local parish priest, a situation residents believe has weakened ties between the institution and its sponsor.
“This institution is sponsored by the Catholic Church and since she set foot in this school two years ago, she hasn’t been picking calls from the parish priest,” alleged Malonzo.
The residents also claimed that locals have been excluded from projects undertaken within the institution despite being members of the host community.
They cited the recent construction of an ablution block, alleging that local youth were not considered for employment opportunities arising from the project. Residents argued that community members should benefit from development activities taking place within the institution.
In addition, the residents further alleged that even representatives of the sponsoring church have encountered difficulties accessing the institution’s management. They said the situation has fueled frustration among members of the community who view the church as a key stakeholder in the institution.
“The father whom we love so much and who is a great anchor in this community recently visited the institution over a certain issue. He was told that he could not reach the principal, yet the Catholic Church which he represents is the sponsor,” Jambo,a resident told the Voice Daily.
Kithinji George, another resident raised concerns over the absence of a Chief and assistant chief in Kanywangu Sub-location. He said that the positions remain vacant despite interviews having been conducted.
He further revealed that residents have recently petitioned against a candidate proposed for the chief’s position, arguing that he did not meet some of the requirements expected of a local administrator.
“We recently signed a petition rejecting a candidate who had been given to us to serve as chief because he was not a resident of Nkabune, which is one of the requirements, and there was also an issue with his academic documents,” said Kithinji .
In response, Imenti East Assistant County Commissioner James Mbaya said the administration had convened the meeting to collect residents’ views and ensure the concerns are forwarded to the relevant government offices for action.
He noted that all the issues raised had been documented and assured residents that the administration would follow up with the responsible authorities.
“We hold such forums with members of the public so that we can communicate government programs to the people while also listening to their concerns and ensuring they are addressed,” said Mbaya.
Efforts to obtain a response from the institute’s management were unsuccessful, as they had not responded to the allegations by the time of publication.
Edited by John Majau
