COFEK files ouster petition against Education PS Julius Bitok over alleged misconduct

The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has formally petitioned the Public Service Commission (PSC) to commence constitutional proceedings for the removal of Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok from office, citing what it describes as serious failures in the management of the education sector.

In a petition submitted on June 2, 2026, COFEK outlined six grounds it believes justify the dismissal of the PS, including alleged gross misconduct, incompetence, abuse of office, violation of constitutional provisions governing public finance management, and conduct unbecoming of a state officer.

In a statement announcing the move, COFEK said the office of a Principal Secretary must remain accountable to the Constitution and cannot be insulated from public scrutiny.

“COFEK has today formally petitioned the Public Service Commission (PSC), raising six grounds on which it urges the 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 consumer rights lobby said.

The petition now places the matter before the Public Service Commission, which is expected to review the allegations and determine whether there is sufficient basis to initiate formal proceedings.

COFEK argued that the outcome of the matter is critical in restoring public confidence in the administration of the country’s education sector, particularly at a time when the ministry is facing increased scrutiny over school safety, examination integrity and education reforms.

“The learners of Kenya deserve leadership that meets the highest standards of public service, accountability and integrity,” the federation stated.

The petition comes against the backdrop of heightened concerns over safety standards in schools following a series of incidents in learning institutions, including the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil that claimed the lives of 16 students and left dozens injured.

Just two days before the petition was filed, Bitok announced sweeping safety measures targeting all boarding schools across the country.

Speaking during the Elimu Mashinani forum in Wajir County on May 31, 2026, the PS directed education officers to conduct fresh inspections of boarding institutions nationwide to assess compliance with safety regulations.

“We have directed our officers to conduct a very thorough inspection within the next 10 days of all boarding schools to confirm afresh whether they are meeting safety standards and to provide recommendations,” Bitok said.

He warned that stern action would be taken against school administrators found flouting safety guidelines.

“We are going to take very serious action against any principal, teacher, or school that deliberately violates the provisions of the safety standards,” he added.

The inspections, which began on June 2, 2026 are expected to assess dormitory safety, emergency preparedness, fire-fighting equipment, evacuation procedures and compliance with Ministry of Education regulations.

Bitok has also recently been vocal about the growing challenge of examination malpractice in the country.

During an Elimu Mashinani forum in Kakamega on March 3, 2026, the Principal Secretary acknowledged that the nature of exam cheating had evolved significantly, arguing that teachers had increasingly become central players in facilitating irregularities.

Responding to a question from a student at Mukumu Boys High School, Bitok said examination malpractice was no longer being driven primarily by candidates but by some teachers who exploit technology and other methods to aid learners during national examinations.

He described the trend as worrying and called for collective efforts to safeguard the credibility of Kenya’s examination system.