Tom Mboya Amadi, the immediate former principal of Nambale Boys High School, has been transferred to Magunga Secondary School in Siaya County, marking the end of a highly celebrated tenure that stakeholders describe as the best in the school’s history.
A Legacy of Excellence
Under Mr Amadi’s leadership, Nambale Boys High School underwent remarkable academic and administrative improvements. Prof. Okumu Bigambo, the Board of Management (BOM) chairperson, lauded Amadi for streamlining school operations and elevating academic standards, leaving behind a legacy that will be difficult to match.
Key Achievements:
– Debt Reduction: Within two years, Amadi slashed the school’s debt from Ksh36 million to Ksh14 million.
– Academic Improvement: The school’s mean score rose from 5.6 to 6.2, and it produced Busia County’s top students, including an elusive A grade—a first in years.
– Cost-Efficient Projects:
– Renovated the dilapidated administration block for Ksh1.1 million instead of the quoted Ksh3.5 million.
– Tiled the school laboratory for Ksh1.8 million against a contractor’s estimate of Ksh6.5 million.
– Painted the entire school for Ksh1.7 million instead of Ksh6.6 million.
– Crackdown on Corruption: Amadi eliminated ghost suppliers, saving the school over Ksh10 million by refusing to pay dubious contractors.
– Mathematics Revolution: Known as a renowned Mathematics teacher and Chief Examiner, Amadi made the subject the most popular in the school—an unprecedented feat.
Controversial Transfer and Political Interference
Stakeholders have expressed outrage over Amadi’s transfer, accusing Nambale MP Geoffrey Mulanya of undue interference in school management. Sources claim Mulanya has been pressuring non-local principals, leading to chaos in leadership transitions.
Nambale MP.
Replacement Refusals:
– Mr Wycliffe Manoa Mwambwa (from Ramba Boys High School) declined to take over, citing political pressure.
– Mr Didmo Mukati (Bukhalalire High School principal) also rejected the position, forcing Amadi to hand over to his deputy.
– Allegations of Sabotage: The MP has been accused of colluding with suppliers to tarnish Amadi’s reputation, raising concerns about the politicization of education.
Stakeholders’ Outcry
– Prof. Okumu Bigambo: “Amadi’s transformative leadership is unmatched. His successors will struggle to fill his shoes.”
– Bishop Isaiah Obuya (Nambale ACK Diocese): “He is the best administrator we’ve had. We wish him well in his new station.”
– Anonymous Stakeholder: “Mulanya wants to micromanage schools for personal gain. Amadi’s performance speaks for itself—no one needs a rocket scientist to see he was the best.”
Bishop Nambale ACK Diocese
What Next for Nambale Boys?
With Amadi’s departure, the school faces uncertainty as political interference threatens stability. The community demands transparency in leadership appointments to safeguard the institution’s progress.
Final Word: Tom Mboya Amadi leaves Nambale Boys as a legend—a principal who turned around a struggling school through integrity, efficiency, and academic excellence. His transfer raises critical questions about the influence of politics in education and the future of Kenya’s high-performing schools.
Congratulations to Jakwano