"My head held high": Kisumu National Polytechnic gets new chief principal

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Dr. John Wycliffe Odhiambo Okumu was officially installed as the new Chief Principal of The Kisumu National Polytechnic (TKNP)

- Outgoing Chief Principal Catherine Kelonye Kayesi proceeded on retirement after a tenure marked by growth and student unrest

- The handover ceremony was presided over by senior officials from the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training

Dr. John Wycliffe Odhiambo Okumu has assumed leadership of The Kisumu National Polytechnic (TKNP) following a formal handover ceremony that marked the retirement of longtime Chief Principal Catherine Kelonye Kayesi.

Okumu joins the institution from Kaimosi Friends National Polytechnic. He expressed gratitude to the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for appointing him to the role, and outlined his priorities for the institution going forward.

"I will build on the remarkable foundation laid by Ms. Kelonye and take the institution to the next level. Through close collaboration with the Governing Council, the State Department for TVET, staff, trainees and stakeholders, we will continue strengthening TKNP's position as a premier TVET institution in the country," said Dr. Okumu.

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Leadership Handover at TKNP

The ceremony was presided over by Director of Trainer Management Lawrence Guantai, Director of Human Resource Management Mosiori, and Under Secretary Priscilla Wanyere, all representing the State Department for TVET.

Governing Council Chairperson Eng. Judah Ochieng Abekah, Council Members Ruth Mounde and Ismail Noo, and Nyanza Regional TVET Director Audrey Monica were also in attendance.

In her farewell address, Kelonye reflected on a tenure characterised by improvements in infrastructure, academic programming and external partnerships, including a World Bank-funded textile technology project.

"I sincerely thank each one of you for the immense support you accorded me during my time at this great institution. I leave with my head held high, proud of the legacy we have built together in infrastructure development, academic excellence and institutional growth. I warmly welcome Dr. John Wycliffe Odhiambo Okumu and wish him every success as he leads TKNP into the future," she said.

Student Unrest Clouded Kelonye's Final Years

Despite gains in digital learning and industry collaboration, Kelonye's administration faced significant turbulence in its closing period.

Students raised persistent concerns over alleged fee irregularities, financial mismanagement and delays in academic processes.

The situation escalated in 2025 when the polytechnic was shut down indefinitely following days of protests, during which students demanded a forensic audit, refunds for alleged overcharges and the resignation of Kelonye alongside the finance manager.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.