Businesses surrounding Nkabune Technical Training Institute are struggling to survive as residents blame a sharp decline in student numbers on what they describe as prolonged leadership problems at the institution.
Residents returned to the streets on Tuesday, demanding urgent government intervention to resolve the dispute at the college, saying the declining student population has hit landlords, food vendors, transport operators and other businesses that depend on the institution.
The protesters want Principal Peninnah Ngina Musila and Deputy Principal Stephen Kinyua removed, accusing the management of failing to restore the institution's enrolment and address concerns affecting students.
Denis Mwiti, a resident, said the community had expected the institution to attract thousands of students but was instead witnessing businesses close or struggle because of the reduced population.
“Our concern is no longer just about the management. The entire community is feeling the effects. Houses that used to be occupied by students are now empty, while traders who depended on them have lost customers,” Mwiti said.
He claimed residents had previously been assured that corrective measures would be taken but said little had changed.
Mwiti also questioned why Musila was still at Nkabune despite claims that she had been transferred to another institution in Igembe.
Residents said the situation had also affected casual workers, with some claiming they had lost their jobs after the institution reduced its workforce.
Stephen Marocho said the community had given government officials time to intervene but had become frustrated by what he termed continued delays.
“We have been patient and have given the authorities enough time to act. But every time we raise the matter, we are asked to wait for another period. We cannot keep waiting while the institution and the businesses around it continue to suffer,” Marocho said.
He accused the administration of restricting access to a playing field previously used by local youths and said the community wanted the facility reopened.
Marocho said residents would continue pressing for a solution if their concerns were not addressed.
“We want the authorities to make a definite decision on this matter. The community needs an institution that attracts students, provides quality training and supports the local economy,” he said.
Purity Kinyua, a permanent resident, called for government intervention to end the standoff, saying continued wrangling was damaging the reputation of the institution.
The latest protest follows an earlier demonstration in which residents and traders accused the administration of poor leadership, inadequate learning resources and declining enrolment.
In a petition signed by community chairman Festus Ndunga and secretary Titus Mucheke, residents raised concerns over inadequate practical training equipment, shortage of trainers in some departments and limited internet connectivity.
They alleged that six trainers in the automotive department had left the institution, creating a shortage that they said was affecting practical training.
The residents also claimed some students had transferred to other institutions because of the learning environment.
The dispute has, however, split stakeholders, with a section of students and parents defending Musila and rejecting calls for her transfer.
The group has accused politicians of attempting to interfere with the running of the institution and urged stakeholders to concentrate on improving technical education and increasing enrolment.
