- The MoE has reported 95 fire incidents and 18 learner deaths in schools since April 27, 2026.
- Education officials say most investigations point to leadership and governance challenges within affected institutions.
- School leaders have been urged to embrace transformational leadership and prioritise learner safety.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) has reported 95 fire incidents in schools across the country since April 27, 2026, resulting in 18 learner deaths.
Speaking during a graduation ceremony at the Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI), the Director General for Basic Education, Dr Elyas Abdi, said the incidents have also been accompanied by widespread unrest in learning institutions.
According to Dr Abdi, 16 of the fatalities occurred at Utumishi Girls School, while one learner died in Western Kenya and another in Eastern Kenya.
He further revealed that the 95 fire incidents were part of 330 cases of school disturbances recorded during the same period.
Out of the 330 cases, 185 were classified as agitations that did not escalate into serious incidents, while 34 involved attempted arson attacks.
“We are sorry to report that we have had 95 fire incidents. Out of these, there were 18 fatalities. We lost a boy in Eastern Kenya and another in Western Kenya,” he said.
Dr Abdi linked many of the incidents to challenges in school leadership and governance.
He said investigation teams dispatched to affected schools frequently identify weaknesses in administration and institutional management.
“Once such an incident happens in an institution, we send an investigation team to find out what happened. They often point to the kind of leadership that exists in those schools,” he said.
Call for Visionary Leadership
The Director General noted that government investments in infrastructure can only deliver the intended results when schools are led by competent and ethical leaders.
“The investment can only achieve the intended impact when schools are led by visionary, ethical and competent leaders who inspire excellence, embrace innovation and place learners at the centre of every decision,” he said.
Addressing the graduates, most of whom were teachers, Dr Abdi challenged them to embrace transformational leadership in their future careers.
“A diploma you receive is much more than an academic qualification. It is a symbol of trust in school leadership and a commitment to public service,” he said.
Responsibility of School Leaders
He urged aspiring school leaders to reflect on the responsibilities that come with managing learning institutions.
“As you graduate, start reflecting on what kind of school leader you would like to be. Imagine being a principal and a human life is lost under your leadership. What kind of responsibility would that be?” he posed.
Dr Abdi further challenged school leaders to go beyond administration and become mentors, innovators and change agents within their institutions.
READ ALSO: Moi University student leaders push for HELB loan increase amid rising cost of living
He emphasised the need for leaders who remain accessible, responsive and committed to nurturing safe and supportive learning environments.
The Ministry continues to monitor school safety trends as investigations into the recent incidents proceed.
By Obegi Malack
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
