COFEK Files Petition to Remove Basic Education PS Julius Bitok From Office

COFEK Files Petition to Remove Basic Education PS Julius Bitok From Office

Fresh pressure is mounting on the leadership of Kenya’s education sector after the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) formally petitioned the Public Service Commission (PSC) seeking the removal of Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok from office over alleged failures in governance, accountability, and leadership.

The petition, submitted on Tuesday, June 2, marks a significant escalation in scrutiny surrounding the State Department for Basic Education, coming at a time when the education sector is grappling with concerns over school safety, student unrest, and administrative oversight.

In a statement announcing the move, COFEK said it had identified six grounds that it believes warrant the initiation of constitutional proceedings to remove the Principal Secretary from office.

According to the federation, the allegations include gross misconduct, incompetence, abuse of office, violation of constitutional provisions relating to public finance management, and conduct deemed inconsistent with the expectations of a State officer.

“COFEK has today formally petitioned the Public Service Commission (PSC), raising six grounds on which it urges PSC to initiate the constitutional process for the removal from office of the Principal Secretary, State Department for Basic Education, Amb (Prof) Julius Bitok,” the organization stated.

The consumer rights lobby further outlined the basis of its concerns, arguing that accountability in public service should apply equally to all office holders regardless of rank.

“The grounds include gross misconduct, incompetence, abuse of office, violation of constitutional provisions on public finance management, and conduct,” the federation added.

The petition is anchored on Article 155(4) of the Constitution, which provides a legal framework for the removal of Principal Secretaries under specified circumstances. COFEK argues that the provision exists to ensure public officials remain accountable to citizens and operate within constitutional standards.

The federation further maintained that the Public Service Commission has a constitutional responsibility to evaluate the allegations and determine whether sufficient grounds exist to commence formal proceedings.

“A Principal Secretary is not untouchable. Article 155(4) of the Constitution is clear, and the Public Service Commission has both the mandate and the obligation to act,” COFEK said.

The petition comes against the backdrop of heightened public concern over safety standards in learning institutions following a series of incidents in schools across the country.

Particular attention has focused on the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil on May 28, which claimed the lives of 16 students and left more than 70 others nursing injuries of varying severity.

The incident sparked widespread grief and renewed questions about compliance with school safety regulations, dormitory standards, and the effectiveness of inspections conducted by education authorities.

Subsequent findings from government officials revealed concerns about overcrowding in the affected dormitory and possible violations of established safety guidelines.

Following the tragedy, education sector leaders faced increased scrutiny over whether adequate oversight mechanisms had been implemented to identify and address potential risks before the incident occurred.

COFEK argues that the challenges facing the education sector extend beyond isolated incidents and point to deeper systemic weaknesses that require urgent intervention.

The organization accused the State Department for Basic Education of presiding over persistent operational and governance challenges that have undermined public confidence in the sector.

According to the federation, learners, parents, and teachers deserve an education system that prioritizes safety, accountability, and efficient administration.

“The children of Kenya deserve better than a PS who presides over a department drowning in rot,” the organization stated.

While the petition represents a significant challenge to the Principal Secretary’s tenure, the Public Service Commission has yet to publicly comment on the matter or indicate whether it will proceed with investigations into the allegations.

Legal experts note that any removal process would require the commission to carefully examine the claims presented and determine whether they meet the constitutional threshold for further action.

The development is likely to intensify debate over leadership accountability within the education sector, particularly as the government continues efforts to strengthen safety standards and restore public confidence following recent school tragedies.

As attention shifts to the Public Service Commission, stakeholders across the education sector will be watching closely to see whether the petition triggers a formal review process and what implications it could have for the leadership of Kenya’s Basic Education Department.

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COFEK Files Petition to Remove Basic Education PS Julius Bitok From Office