Headteacher transferred, demoted for opposing Dishi na County programme

The county claims her actions were linked to opposing the Dishi na County school feeding programme. Saburi is now calling on the Ministry of Education to intervene, saying her transfer stems from parents who opposed the programme back in 2024, before she joined the school.

Mary Saburi had served as center manager at State House Day Pre-School for nearly a year. On Monday, her role changed following a sudden visit by county education officials.

Officials informed her that she had been transferred to Kirigu Pre-School and demoted from center manager to regular pre-school teacher. Her transfer letter cited her opposition to the county’s Dishi na County programme at both her current and previous schools as the reason for the disciplinary action.

"There is a hidden agenda behind my transfer. I joined this school a year ago, months after parents decided against Dishi na County. Parents rejected the meeting minutes. They decided their children would be fed at school, they do not want the food cooked elsewhere," said Saburi.

Saburi said she does not understand why she was punished and vows not to leave the school until the county clarifies her alleged offense.

"I am shocked. Even if I had erred, there is a proper procedure to transfer or demote someone. I have never been summoned or disciplined," said Mary Saburi.

Ahmed Abdi, Chief Officer for ECD and Vocational Training, Nairobi County, who signed the transfer letter, said Saburi’s move was routine, not punitive, and unrelated to Dishi na County.

"I will go to court and remain at this school until my case is clear. Why am I being unfairly targeted when other schools are included in Dishi na County? I will not leave," said Saburi.

Dishi na County targets public primary schools and pre-schools in Nairobi and was launched in 2023. Despite the 2026 school feeding policy formalizing the program, participation is encouraged but not legally mandatory for all schools.