- Education stakeholders have warned that rising political tensions could disrupt the third-term school calendar.
- Violence in Ol Kalou and unrest in Homa Bay have raised concerns over potential disruptions to schools and national examinations.
- Stakeholders have called on the Ministry of Education, school boards and security agencies to prepare contingency plans for possible disruptions.
Education stakeholders have raised concern that rising political temperatures could disrupt the smooth running of the third-term school calendar, following recent unrest in parts of the country. The warning comes as schools prepare for a demanding third term, during which teachers are expected to complete syllabuses, prepare candidates for national examinations and ensure learners finish the academic year without interruption.
The concern follows separate incidents witnessed in Ol Kalou, Nakuru and Homa Bay over the weekend. In Ol Kalou, violence surrounding a recent by-election left at least one person dead and others injured, according to claims made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. In Homa Bay, tensions escalated around political rallies, with reports of armed youths, roadblocks and burning tyres prompting the National Police Service to call for peaceful assembly and the maintenance of public order.
Stakeholders have warned that such disruptions could have direct consequences for schools, particularly where roads are blocked, or communities become divided along political lines. They noted that teachers could struggle to report to work, learners could fail to reach school, and parents could become reluctant to send children to boarding institutions, while school administrators may be forced to make difficult decisions regarding learner safety.
The concerns are heightened by the sensitivity of the third term, when candidates sitting national examinations cannot afford to lose instructional time. Stakeholders have emphasised that even a single week of disruption could carry serious consequences for learners who have spent the year preparing for examinations.
Basic Education Bill 2026 proposes hefty fines for parents, school heads over attendance and illegal fees
In light of the incidents, stakeholders have called on the Ministry of Education, school boards and security agencies to begin preparing for possible disruptions, including establishing clear communication channels with parents and developing contingency plans ahead of any emerging security concerns.
By Mark Otieno Jonyo
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
>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
