- Growing cases of school unrest have reignited debate over whether corporal punishment should be reintroduced in Kenyan schools.
- Some lawmakers argue stronger disciplinary measures are needed, while others advocate for counselling and systemic reforms.
- The discussion comes amid increased concern over student indiscipline, school fires and learner welfare.
By Kimwele Mutuku
Parliament is once again at the centre of a heated national debate over whether corporal punishment, commonly known as caning, should be reintroduced in schools nearly 25 years after it was outlawed.
The discussion has gained momentum amid a wave of school unrest, dormitory fires and disciplinary breakdowns in several institutions across the country, prompting lawmakers to question whether the abolition of the cane went too far.
Rising Unrest
Among the prominent voices in the debate is Kakamega Senator Dr. Bonny Khalwale, who has publicly argued that the education system may need stronger disciplinary tools to restore order in schools facing increasing cases of student indiscipline.
The renewed discussion comes in the wake of widespread concern over recent incidents in secondary schools, including strikes, destruction of property and tragic fires that have claimed lives.
One of the most devastating incidents was the Utumishi Girls Senior School fire in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where 16 learners lost their lives in a dormitory blaze that authorities have linked to arson.
The tragedy has intensified national reflection on student welfare, discipline and school safety systems.
Lawmakers Divided
Members of Parliament remain divided on how best to address the crisis.
While some lawmakers and advocacy groups, including sections of the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), have called for the return of corporal punishment, others warn that such a move would reverse gains made in child protection and rights-based education.
Supporters argue that discipline in schools has weakened significantly since the abolition of caning, contributing to indiscipline and destruction of property.
Opponents maintain that the focus should instead be on strengthening guidance and counselling programmes, improving school infrastructure and addressing systemic pressures such as examination stress and overcrowding.
Corporal punishment was officially banned in Kenyan schools in 2001 under the Children’s Act, which protects learners from physical and emotional abuse.
Since then, the government has promoted non-violent disciplinary approaches, including counselling, mentorship and restorative discipline frameworks.
However, implementation has often been challenged by limited resources and staffing constraints in schools.
National Conversation Expands
The debate has now extended beyond Parliament, with parents, educators, religious leaders and other stakeholders weighing in on whether stricter discipline should return or whether deeper reforms are required within the education sector.
Education experts caution that while discipline remains a concern, the root causes of unrest—including psychological pressure, social media influence and poor school conditions—must be addressed comprehensively rather than through punitive measures alone.
READ ALSO: Thika MP urges parents to counsel children to prevent school fire tragedies
As investigations into recent school tragedies continue and parliamentary discussions gather momentum, Kenya faces a difficult question: should discipline in schools return to physical punishment, or is the current crisis a signal for broader structural reform?
The answer remains sharply contested and is likely to shape education policy discussions in the months ahead.
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