The Ministry of Education (MoE) has unveiled a learner welfare and mental health framework that prioritises wellbeing, positive discipline, and emotional intelligence as part of Kenya’s new Senior School system.
The Guidelines for Implementation of Senior School Education introduce measures to make schools safer, more compassionate, and more responsive to adolescent learners’ psychological needs.
According to the MoE guidelines, “learner welfare shall be prioritised as a key component of quality education. Senior Schools must provide safe, supportive, and inclusive environments where every student feels valued and protected.”
The MoE framework bans corporal punishment and introduces positive discipline strategies emphasising mentorship and restorative justice.
Teachers are urged to model empathy and involve parents in addressing behavioural issues.
MoE CS Julius Migos Ogamba said the Ministry aims to cultivate a “culture of care and accountability,” adding that discipline should mould character rather than instil fear.
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The guidelines also require every Senior School to establish a Guidance and Counselling Department staffed with trained professionals to provide psychosocial support, mentorship, and life skills education.
PS Amb. (Prof.) Julius K. Bitok said learner welfare “is essential to academic success,” noting that schools must treat mental health as a vital part of holistic learning.
The MoE document states that “schools shall provide health education, reproductive health awareness, and regular medical check-ups to support learners’ physical and emotional wellbeing.”
MoE Director-General, Dr Elyas Abdi emphasized that supporting mental health “is part of ensuring quality and equality in education,” calling for training of teachers in early identification of stress, anxiety, and trauma among learners.
The guidelines further mandate inclusion of mental health awareness days in the school calendar and the formation of Learner Welfare Committees (LWCs) in all schools to oversee wellbeing programs.
By Joseph Mambili
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