Kapsaos Principal Accused of Spying on Teachers Using Hidden Audio Devices in Staffroom

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Kapsaos Principal Accused of Spying on Teachers Using Hidden Audio Devices in Staffroom.

The principal of Kapsaos Secondary School in Uasin Gishu County, Beninah Soi, is facing serious backlash after allegedly installing an audio surveillance device in the school’s staffroom. According to concerned staff, the surveillance was intended to secretly monitor conversations among teachers, sparking widespread outrage and accusations of rights violations.

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Uasin Gishu branch has strongly condemned the alleged action. Bellat Sosthen, the county’s KUPPET chairman, reported that teachers had made numerous complaints regarding Soi’s conduct. He said the principal had a track record of abusing her authority and that this was not an isolated case.

Sosthen claimed the union had previously flagged Beninah’s behavior to authorities, citing incidents such as unfair teacher transfers. He noted that some of the affected staff were on maternity leave at the time. He explained that such leadership had created a hostile environment and emphasized the union’s resolve to protect teachers’ dignity and rights.

In response to the recent incident, KUPPET, through its Executive Secretary Elijah Kimeli Maiyo, submitted a formal complaint to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Uasin Gishu County director. The letter detailed how the installation of the audio surveillance device infringed on teachers’ privacy rights under Article 31 of the Constitution of Kenya.

Maiyo demanded the immediate removal of the equipment and called for an investigation into the procurement process. He alleged that the installation was carried out by the principal’s son, Mr. Albert Soi, who had reportedly received significant payment for the work. According to Maiyo, this raised concerns about nepotism and the misuse of school funds.

The union’s letter also requested a full refund of the money spent on the surveillance system, suggesting those funds should instead be redirected to academic programs that benefit learners. A 10-day ultimatum was issued for the administration to act on the union’s demands.

Speaking firmly, Maiyo warned that if the surveillance equipment was still operational by Monday, June 9, 2025, unspecified alternative measures would be implemented to ensure its removal. “The union will not stand by while teachers’ rights are violated,” he stated.

In addition to the surveillance claims, KUPPET expressed worry over the school’s declining student enrolment. Maiyo revealed that enrolment had plummeted from 700 to just 150 students in two years. He urged the principal to refocus her attention on initiatives that could restore the institution’s standing and attract more learners.

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Teachers Speak Out

Some teachers at Kapsaos Secondary shared their dismay. One teacher said they no longer felt safe even in the staffroom, which should be a space for open collaboration. Another described the situation as “demoralizing,” adding that morale among staff was at an all-time low.

Despite the serious allegations, the union remained hopeful that their action would bring positive change. They reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding teachers’ rights while urging the authorities to step in decisively.

Kapsaos Principal Accused of Spying on Teachers Using Hidden Audio Devices in Staffroom.