Basic Education Principal Secretary Prof Julius Bitok has issued a stern warning to students involved in the recent wave of unrest and arson attacks in schools across the country, saying the government will take firm action against those found responsible.
Speaking amid growing concerns over incidents of student unrest, destruction of property and school fires, Bitok said the ministry of education will not allow learning to be disrupted by what he described as a small group of criminal elements operating within schools.
“We cannot accept to be distracted by a few criminal students who are engaging in bad activities in our schools. We are going to stand very firm and we request all stakeholders and leaders to team up with us so that we can do the right thing,” said Bitok.
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The PS warned that students involved in burning schools and other criminal acts would face the full force of the law regardless of their age.
“We are putting them on notice. Even the students who are burning schools, you will not go scot-free. We shall come for you if you are responsible.Tutakupeleka jela na tutakufunga huko hata kama wewe ni mtoto,” he declared.
He spoke during the thanksgiving ceremony at Kisabei Secondary School in Sotik Sub-County, Bomet County.
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His remarks come at a time when several schools across the country have experienced unrest, forcing some institutions to temporarily close and send learners home.
Education authorities have maintained that despite the incidents, learning continues normally in the vast majority of schools and there are no plans for an early nationwide closure.
Bitok called on parents, teachers, school administrators, political leaders and other stakeholders to work together in identifying the causes of unrest and restoring discipline in learning institutions.
He emphasized that dialogue, guidance and counselling should be strengthened, but warned that criminal acts such as arson and destruction of property would not be tolerated.
The Ministry of Education has also launched a nationwide safety audit in schools as part of efforts to improve security, preparedness and student welfare following recent incidents.
By Philip Koech
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