The government has ruled out the possibility of an early nationwide closure of schools despite a recent wave of unrest and fire incidents reported in learning institutions across the country.
Speaking during the Speech and Prize-Giving Day at the Kenya High School, Basic Education Principal Secretary Prof Julius Bitok assured parents, teachers and learners that the academic calendar will remain unchanged, saying learning continues uninterrupted in the majority of schools.
Bitok noted that while a number of schools have experienced disturbances in recent weeks, the incidents remain isolated and do not warrant a nationwide closure of learning institutions.
He said the ministry of education is addressing the challenges through dialogue, enhanced safety measures, and closer engagement with school communities.
“The situation is under control, and schools will continue operating as scheduled,” he said, adding that the ministry is working closely with education stakeholders to ensure learners remain safe and focused on their studies.
His remarks come amid growing concern over student unrest following a series of school fires and strikes reported in different parts of the country, including the tragic dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy that claimed the lives of 16 students and left dozens injured.
The ministry of education has already rolled out a series of interventions aimed at curbing unrest in schools.
These include strengthening communication between students and school administrators, enhancing guidance and counselling programmes, involving learners in decision-making processes and improving early warning systems to identify grievances before they escalate.
Bitok emphasized that the second-term academic calendar remains intact, with schools expected to proceed normally until the scheduled midterm break from June 24 to June 28.
The assurance is likely to ease anxiety among parents and learners who had feared that the recent incidents could force the government to order an early closure of schools as investigations and safety audits continue across the country.
By Kimwele Mutuku
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