The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Kiambu West branch chairman Michael Muna has accused the branch officials of lack of transparency in picking schools for this year's Kenya Schools and Colleges Music festival.
Speaking on Thursday, Muna claimed he was not consulted during the process of picking schools adding that the criteria used is questionable.
“Earlier criteria stipulated that schools which emerged first, second and third in the preliminary trials were eligible for the festivals but the Kiambu branch has altered the criteria to give the chance only to first positions in various disciplines," said Muna.
Muna said denying the students who qualified the chance to participate in the competition does not reflect the branch mandate to serve all schools equally.
“The festival has the role to promote national values and patriotism and denying the students genuine chances doesn’t make sense,” said Muna.
Muna also told the branch to refund schools their contribution for the event.
“The branch must refund the parents' money because I don't understand why the branch should continue retaining it," said Muna.
He called for cooperation between the officials of the branch and heads of schools to avoid misunderstandings.
This year's festivals are slated for August second to 12th and will be hosted by Kisumu Boys High School, Kisumu Girls' High, Lake Primary School and Aga Khan School.