- Sarah Muthama argues that effective school leadership, merit-based appointments and continuous leadership development are essential in addressing rising cases of student unrest.
- Rising cases of school unrest have renewed calls for stronger, more accountable leadership in learning institutions.
- Effective school leaders can prevent crises through communication, empathy and proactive decision-making.
- Investing in leadership development is essential to building safe, disciplined and resilient school communities.
Recent years have witnessed a troubling rise in school unrest, strikes, destruction of property and, most painfully, the loss of young lives. Every time a school is set ablaze or innocent lives are lost during student unrest, the nation reacts with outrage.
Parents blame teachers. Teachers blame parents. Politicians blame society. Religious leaders point to moral decay, while mainstream and social media fill with competing opinions on the causes of the crisis.
Although these perspectives offer useful insights, lasting solutions require the country to move beyond the blame game and examine one critical factor: the quality of leadership in schools.
Schools are more than centres of academic instruction. They are communities where values, discipline, emotional well-being and character are nurtured.
Like any community, they rise or fall on the strength of their leadership.
The school principal and administration set the tone for the culture, communication and relationships that shape the learning environment.
Leadership scholar John C. Maxwell aptly observed, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.”
This statement is particularly relevant to education.
A school led by visionary, ethical and approachable leaders is more likely to foster trust, resolve conflicts early and create an environment where learners feel heard and respected.
Conversely, ineffective leadership can allow grievances to fester, resulting in frustration, indiscipline and, ultimately, unrest.
It would, however, be simplistic to attribute school strikes solely to poor leadership.
Many factors contribute to student unrest, including peer influence, social media, family challenges, drug and substance abuse, examination pressure, inadequate facilities and wider societal tensions.
Even so, effective leadership determines how these challenges are anticipated, managed and resolved before they escalate into crises.
The need for merit-based leadership
There have also been growing concerns that, in some cases, merit may be overshadowed by patronage, political influence or corrupt practices during the recruitment and promotion of school principals.
Whether these perceptions are accurate or not, they highlight the need for transparent and merit-based leadership appointments.
Schools deserve leaders selected on the basis of competence, integrity, emotional intelligence and a proven ability to inspire positive change rather than external affiliations.
The demands placed on today’s school leaders have evolved significantly.
The 21st-century principal is no longer simply an administrator responsible for enforcing rules.
Modern school leaders are expected to be visionary, adaptive, emotionally intelligent, technologically competent and capable of embracing collaborative and democratic leadership.
They must communicate effectively, demonstrate fairness, embrace diversity and cultivate accountability.
Former South African President Nelson Mandela wisely remarked, “Lead from the back—and let others believe they are in front.”
This philosophy reflects servant leadership, where influence is built through listening, empathy and empowering others rather than authority alone.
Students who feel valued and respected are far less likely to resort to destructive forms of protest.
Similarly, management expert Peter Drucker observed, “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.”
School leaders must therefore go beyond administrative efficiency.
They should strengthen guidance and counselling, encourage meaningful parental engagement, support teachers and establish clear channels for addressing learners’ concerns constructively.
Preparing leaders for today’s schools
An effective school leader must demonstrate integrity, emotional resilience, strategic thinking, empathy, decisiveness, accountability and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Such leaders recognise that discipline is not merely about punishment but about building relationships founded on mutual respect and shared responsibility.
They create school cultures where learners feel safe expressing concerns and where dialogue replaces confrontation.
As education systems continue evolving, leadership development should become a national priority.
Appointing and continuously training competent school leaders is not merely an administrative exercise; it is an investment in the safety, well-being and future of learners.
While no leader can eliminate every challenge, effective leadership can significantly reduce the likelihood of crises and build resilient school communities capable of resolving problems peacefully.
School unrest should never become a normal feature of education.
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Rather than asking only who is to blame after tragedy strikes, Kenya should ask a more important question: Are we equipping school leaders with the character, competence and capacity required to lead today’s schools?
The answer to that question may well determine the future of the country’s education system.
By Sarah Muthama
Sarah Muthama is an educator, teacher trainer and monitoring and evaluation professional.
Email: muthamasarah5@gmail.com
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