Machogu, PS locked in row over top job

A major row has erupted between Education Cabinet   Secretary Ezekiel Machogu and his Principal Secretary for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Dr Esther Muoria over one of the senior positions in the ministry.

Following the differences, Machogu has now warned of dire consequences to any official in the Ministry who continues to disregard the bona fide Director of Technical Education Dr Meshack C. Opwora.

“In the same vein, disregard of any approvals, directives or instructions granted or given by the duly appointed and posted Director, Technical Education, properly performing his functions as such, will be dealt with appropriately, in line with the applicable legal, regulatory and policy framework,” Machogu says in a letter dated September 1, 2023.

The letter addressed to all chief executives and directors-general of semi autonomous government agencies under the State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training and Principals of National Polytechnics and technical Training Institutes is also copied to Dr Muoria, Dr Belio Kipsang (Basic Education PS) and Dr Beatrice Inyangala (Higher Education and Research PS).

Sources at the Ministry intimated to the People Daily that Machogu’s letter was precipitated by alleged push by Ms Muoria for the appointment of another senior officer in the Ministry as the Director of Technical Education in an acting capacity. Dr Muoria had on April 12, appointed John Kiplagat Tuwei as the Acting Director of Vocational and Technical Education (DTE).

And during a TVET meeting on August 25, at Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu,  Tuwei graced the training of principals occasion where PS Muoria introduced him as the Director for Technical Education despite Dr Opwora having  been confirmed for the position.

Reached for comment, Dr Mworia declined, only stating that she was not in a position to make reflections on a letter written by her boss.