A fresh wave of student unrest has swept across Kenyan secondary schools since the beginning of the second term, disrupting learning, destroying property, and forcing the indefinite closure of several institutions across the country.
The disturbances, which have been reported in schools in various regions, have manifested in different forms, including dormitory fires, arson attacks, student riots, destruction of school property, and planned strikes.
The trend has raised concerns about a potential disruption to the school calendar, which the Ministry of Education insists will remain unchanged.
The situation has been exacerbated by the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which claimed the lives of 16 learners.
The Utumishi tragedy has heightened scrutiny on schools amid a growing number of unrest cases reported during the second term, traditionally viewed as one of the most volatile periods in the school calendar.
Responding to the matter on Thursday, June 4, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok reassured parents and learners of smooth learning operations across schools, ruling out any plans for an early nationwide closure of schools despite the unrest.
Speaking while attending The Kenya High School’s Prize Giving Day the PS noted that learning remained uninterrupted in the majority of institutions and emphasized that the government was addressing the incidents.
Bitok said the Ministry of Education had launched a nationwide audit of safety standards in schools while working with stakeholders to restore normalcy in affected institutions.
“As we honour these accomplishments, I remain keenly aware of the challenges that have recently disrupted learning in some parts of the country,” Bitok revealed.
“The Ministry is actively undertaking targeted interventions in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to restore normalcy, safeguard learning, and ensure that our learners remain in school,” he added.
Bitok also reiterated the need for school administrators to strengthen communication channels between students, teachers and parents, arguing that unresolved grievances and poor engagement often contribute to unrest.
Among the schools that have been closed indefinitely following unrest incidents reported since the start of the term are:
- Utumishi Girls Academy
- Lenana School
- Alliance High School
- Mang’u High School
- State House Girls High School
- Loreto Girls High School Limuru
- Nakuru Girls High School
- Naivasha Girls High School
- Ingotse Boys High School
- Mwasere Girls High School
- Barding Secondary School
- Saseta Girls Secondary School
- Maanda High School
- Moi Forces Academy Lanet
- Tarakwa High School
- Joseph Seminary Senior School, Molo
- Njoro Girls High School
- Aggrey Boys High School
- Kenyatta High School, Mwatate
- Moi Boys High School, Voi
- Eldoro Girls High School
- Mahoo Girls High School
- Mary’s Lushangonyi Secondary School
- Kangaru School
- Kangaru Girls High School
- Sacred Heart Kyeni Girls High School
- Kimangaru Mixed Secondary School
- Kavuthu Secondary School
- Kyamuthei Secondary School
- Nguumo High School
- Kalama Secondary School
- Kaumoni Boys High School
Also Read: How rogue principals, teachers fuel secondary school fires and strikes
