The Government has intensified efforts to address the recent wave of unrest reported in a number of secondary schools across the country following incidents that have led to loss of life, destruction of property, and disruption of learning activities.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Tuesday received a comprehensive briefing from senior officials of the Ministry of Education at Harambee House Annex on the status of safety and security in schools and the measures being undertaken to restore order and protect learners.
Majority of schools operating normally
The meeting comes amid growing concern over incidents of student unrest reported in a small number of boarding schools, some of which have forced temporary closures and interrupted academic programmes.
According to the Government, Kenya has approximately 9,500 schools, including 3,200 boarding institutions. However, fewer than 200 schools have experienced unrest, with authorities noting that some of the affected institutions have already reopened and resumed normal learning activities.
Speaking after the briefing, Kindiki said the Government remains deeply concerned about the incidents but emphasized that the overwhelming majority of schools across the country continue to operate normally.
“We appreciate that 99 per cent of our senior schools are progressing well. The schools that have been affected are a very tiny minority of boarding schools, mainly senior schools,” he said.
Comprehensive review
The Deputy President noted that recent incidents had resulted in tragic consequences, including loss of life, prompting the Government to review existing safety measures and school management systems.
“We have had loss of life recently in a very unfortunate incident. After that, we have had a few other cases of tension and, in some instances, school management boards and principals have taken precautionary measures. Each situation should be looked at on a case-by-case basis,” Kindiki said.
He encouraged school managers and administrators to continue making decisions based on prevailing security assessments to safeguard learners and staff.
The Government has tasked the Ministry of Education with developing a comprehensive stakeholder engagement framework aimed at addressing concerns raised by students, teachers, parents, and school administrators.
The ministry is also expected to formulate proposals for improving service delivery in schools and strengthening safety within learning institutions.
Focus on accountability and safety
Kindiki said the review process would focus on identifying lessons from recent incidents and recommending policy interventions to enhance accountability and improve the overall learning environment.
“The Ministry of Education will make its assessment and communicate to the public what we need to do, how stakeholders can be involved, and the policy interventions required to improve service delivery and safety in our schools,” he said.
The Deputy President added that the review would examine enforcement of safety guidelines, accountability mechanisms for students, teachers, and school managers, as well as administrative reforms aimed at reducing grievances within school communities.
Warning against criminal acts
At the same time, Kindiki strongly condemned acts of indiscipline that escalate into criminal activities such as arson, destruction of property, and violence.
“The Government condemns in the strongest terms possible acts of indiscipline that lead to arson, destruction of property and loss of life. We will not tolerate any criminality, irrespective of the grievances involved,” he said.
He particularly expressed concern over the recent tragedy at Moi Girls Academy, where 16 students lost their lives, describing the incident as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
The Government has assured parents, teachers, and learners that immediate, short-term, and long-term interventions are being implemented to strengthen school safety, enhance discipline management, and ensure uninterrupted learning across the country.
The briefing was attended by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, former Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, Higher Education and Research Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala, Technical and Vocational Education and Training Principal Secretary Esther Muoria, alongside other senior officials from the Ministry of Education.
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Officials reiterated the Government’s commitment to maintaining safe and conducive learning environments while working closely with stakeholders to address the root causes of student unrest and prevent future disruptions in schools.
By Felix Wanderi
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