Lead image for Lenana principal quits in early retirement plan.
The chief principal of Lenana School, William Kiplagat Kemei, has left the school, just weeks before opening for the third term and ahead of national examinations.
The surprise early retirement of Mr Kemei comes amid unresolved questions over the student unrest that rocked the school in June, leading to its closure and protests by parents when the learners resumed school.
A source at the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) confirmed Mr Kemei’s early retirement request and that he has been replaced by Mr Solomon Koech, who has been the chief principal of Nanyuki High School.
Mr Kemei’s departure took effect on August 1, and was communicated to parents through a message by the chairperson of the Parents Association, Jonah Marahpash.
“Mr William Kiplagat Kemei has opted for early retirement with effect from 1st August 2026,” reads the notice, which did not state reasons for his early exit.
The abrupt change of leadership at one of Kenya’s leading national schools is likely to raise questions, coming barely two months after students went on strike over grievances surrounding the school’s Cultural Day held at the start of Term Two.
It is also coming just weeks before the start of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination (KCSE), which usually requires the head of the institution to coordinate rehearsals and many of the final preparations.
The June 1 unrest led to the temporary closure of the school and the suspension of more than 100 students who were accused of various offences, including destruction of property, incitement and drug-related offences.