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Schools have been advised to regularly review and strengthen safety and security protocols.
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The association emphasized the role of early values-based education in building discipline, responsibility, and peaceful conflict resolution.
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Parents and guardians have been urged to actively support discipline and reinforce positive values at home.
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KECSHA strongly condemned violence, vandalism, and arson by learners, urging dialogue over destruction in addressing grievances.
By Frank Mugwe
The Kenya Comprehensive Schools Heads Association (KECSHA) has expressed deep concern over the rising wave of unrest in senior secondary schools across the country, and has called for immediate, unified action from all education stakeholders.
In a press release dated June 12 and signed by the National Chairman of KECSHA, Fuad Abdalla Ali, the association noted the incidents have led to destruction of school property, and in some instances, has resulted in loss of lives, such as the 16 students who perished in the Utumishi fire incident.
“We join the nation in mourning the tragic loss of sixteen learners at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil and extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We also wish a speedy recovery to all those who sustained injuries and assure the affected schools and communities of our solidarity during this difficult period,” reads the statement.
The association called on school heads to remain alert and proactive, urging them to strengthen learner engagement, maintain open and transparent communication with both learners and parents, and promote values-based education that fosters responsibility, discipline and accountability.
Administrators were further directed to improve guidance, counselling and mentorship programmes, put in place effective early-warning systems, and regularly review school safety and security protocols.
“Primary and Junior Schools play a critical role in nurturing resilience, emotional intelligence, responsible citizenship, and peaceful conflict resolution from an early age. Prevention through effective communication, mentorship, learner participation, and values based education remains the most sustainable approach to safeguarding our schools,” reads the statement.
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KECSHA also urged parents and guardians to continue fulfilling their role as children’s first teachers by instilling values such as responsibility, respect and peaceful coexistence.
“We encourage parents to maintain close collaboration with schools in supporting learner welfare and discipline,” KECSHA stated.
The association strongly condemned incidents of violence, vandalism and arson involving learners, urging them to use dialogue with school management and follow appropriate ethical channels when raising grievances.
“Let us choose dialogue over destruction, responsibility over recklessness, and partnership over confrontation,” reads the statement.
The association further called on the Ministry of Education, education agencies, Boards of Management, faith-based organizations, and other education stakeholders to support schools in strengthening learner welfare and safety. It also emphasized the need to find sustainable solutions that address the underlying factors contributing to the unrest among students.
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