Kipsangui Boys High School in Uasin Gishu has been closed indefinitely after students went on a rampage over a poorly cooked meal that was served to them at the institution. While staging the strike, it is reported that the students claimed the kind of meal had become common.
According to Usin Gishu County Director of Education Hassan Khalif said the boys burnt the school’s hay store, stoned the administration block and destroyed more property of unknown value.
“The students engaged in demonstrations following a poorly cooked Ugali meal that was served to them on Tuesday Night. A multi-agency team was sent to the institution and Police officers were deployed as the students started destruction,” said Khalif.
The education director said his office will address the grievances raised by the students which include diet, school routine, some of the discipline issues and the curriculum.
“On Wednesday, we met with the board and made decision on the fate of the school. The principal took a role call and verified the number of students who left the school and contacted their parents and the remaining students were addressed on the same,”
Some of the grievances the boys raised, according to sources, were; harassment by student leaders, lack of good toilets and food not being properly cooked. The principal gave an excuse of the grinder not being in good condition and that the cooks never alerted him in good time.
Khalif said the ministry will investigate other underlying issues in the institution and enforce the management of the school before learning resumes.
“I am requesting parents to talk to their children and advise them as a way of conflict resolution for the period they will be at home,” he added.
The CDE has directed school administrators and boards of managements within Uasin Gishu County to provide channels for dialogue in order to avert the frequent school unrests within the county.
“They should increase suggestion boxes and make sure issues raised are addressed timely by the boards and a communication made during the parades, students council leadership should also be engaged by the schools administration,” he ordered.
He also encouraged the institutions to engage learners in open dialogue so that their concerns are met.
By Wasike Elvis
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