Wamuzi News Ke
A seething leadership crisis has erupted at Kenya’s Ministry of Education as Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba finds himself increasingly sidelined and overshadowed by his own Principal Secretaries, triggering what insiders are now calling the infamous “Jogoo House wars.”
At the heart of the turmoil stands a trio pulling in conflicting directions: Ogamba, Basic Education PS Julius Bitok, and University Education PS Beatrice Inyangala.
Their divergent statements and overlapping mandates are plunging parents, teachers, and students into confusion—and prompting lawmakers to intervene.
Blurred Lines, Rising Tensions.
Disturbing splits in communication became clear during a heated session of the National Assembly Education Committee chaired by MP Eve Obara. MP Dick Maungu (Luanda) sharply rebuked the PSs, warning they must recognize the CS as supreme in the hierarchy:
“We cannot have PSs acting as if they are bigger than CSs.” Ogamba defended himself, citing procedural invitations, but the PS’s absence raised serious questions—and MPs pressed on.This week saw the leadership rift explode into public view.
PS Inyangala issued a circular setting September 1 as the start date for new university tuition fee reductions ranging from 15 % to 40 %—while Ogamba announced the same reforms would begin on August 15.
The contradictory directives have left universities scrambling, student groups fuming, and the sector in disarray.
National Backlash as Parliament Gets Involved.
The growing crisis did not go unnoticed. MPs have demanded order, warning that the duplicated messaging and overlapping authority risk undermining Kenya’s once‑coherent education mission.
Stakeholders complain that inconsistent guidelines—from school operations to fee structure—are disrupting academic calendars and shaking public confidence.
What Happens Next?
At stake is more than personal rivalry—it’s the integrity of Kenya’s education leadership. Analysts fear the breakdown may delay policy implementations, weaken accountability, and invite operational chaos in institutions.
Education observers warn that if unresolved, the split could raise constitutional concerns over ministerial control.Sources close to the Ministry suggest internal meetings have been convened to defuse the situation.
But without decisive action, the saga is poised to drag on—serially eroding the Ministry’s credibility at a time when stable leadership is needed more than ever.As the Jogoo House wars intensify, the nation watches: can CS Ogamba reclaim command before the cracks in leadership widen into irreversible collapse?
