By SHABAN MAKOKHA
June 04, 2026| The Kenya Comprehensive School Heads Association (KECSHA) has ushered in a new leadership team following highly contested elections that ended months of uncertainty and internal wrangling in Mumias East Sub-county.
The dramatic polls, held on June 2, 2026, at Lubinu Comprehensive School, drew heads of institutions from across the sub-county. The newly elected team has pledged to foster unity, professionalism, and the effective implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
At the heart of the tense contest was the race for the chairmanship. In what observers described as one of the closest races in the association’s history, Dominic Osundwa (picture centre, in blue blazer) emerged victorious by the slimmest of margins—securing 24 votes against his closest challenger, Issa Matala, who garnered 23 votes. The razor-thin victory underscored the high expectations placed on new leadership as schools continue to navigate Kenya’s evolving comprehensive school model.
Speaking shortly after his declaration as winner, Osundwa expressed gratitude to his fellow heads and immediately called for collective action.
“My resolve is to champion the unity of all teachers to ensure the success of the Competency-Based Education and the comprehensive school model in Mumias East,” Osundwa said. “I call on all head teachers and stakeholders to support me in making this resolve a reality. We have a collective responsibility to ensure our schools remain centers of excellence and that learners receive quality education.”
Full Election Results
Other races also saw tight finishes. Benson Wabuyabo was elected Secretary General after defeating Joseph Nyangweso by 26 votes to 21. Roseline Auma secured the most decisive win of the day, claiming the Treasurer position with 27 votes against Caroline Sika’s 20.
Ronald Kweyu took the Vice Chairperson seat with 26 votes, defeating Okomba Nichola (20). In another nail-biter, Mumia Were edged out Rashid Barasa by a single vote (24-23) for Vice Secretary. Mutsoli Boniface won Assistant Treasurer with 26 votes over Linet Hongo’s 24. Christine Muganda was elected Women’s Representative, while David Nduku was entrusted with the Publicity docket, assisted by Ali Wanzetse.
A Critical Moment for Education
The elections come at a pivotal time following the transformation of the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) into KECSHA—a rebranding necessitated by the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which established comprehensive schools integrating pre-primary, primary, and junior school levels under one leadership structure.
The transition has not been without challenges. Debates over the management of junior secondary schools, teacher autonomy, career progression, and administrative responsibilities have sparked friction in education circles, making KECSHA’s role as a unifying platform increasingly vital.
Regional KECSHA Chairperson Tobias Omusale and County Secretary Emmanuel Luyo presided over the elections, which were praised for being transparent, peaceful, and democratic.
“The elections represented more than a leadership transition; they symbolized a fresh opportunity to unite educators around a common vision for quality education,” Omusale said, noting that the new leaders assume office at a time when schools must consolidate gains under the CBE framework while addressing infrastructure, staffing, and resource needs.
Expectations now shift to Dominic Osundwa and his team to transform campaign promises into tangible results and steer KECSHA Mumias East toward greater cohesion and effectiveness. With a mandate earned by the narrowest of margins, the new chairman and his team carry the hopes of dozens of school heads determined to see comprehensive schools thrive.