School unrest in Kenya: Professional counselling must be central to lasting solutions

According to the Gazette notice dated October 23, 2026, the team, chaired by Professor Peter Mulwa Mbithi, has been given 90 days to investigate the immediate and underlying causes of school disturbances, review previous inquiries, establish why earlier recommendations may not have been fully implemented, and propose reforms to improve learner safety, discipline and welfare.

As we await the team's recommendations, I wish to reiterate a position I have consistently advanced: Every learning institution in Kenya must have a fully functional counselling office staffed by a trained, qualified and professional counsellor.

School unrest should not be addressed solely through disciplinary measures, investigations and punishment after incidents have occurred.

While discipline and accountability are essential, sustainable solutions must also address the underlying psychological, emotional, social, behavioural and interpersonal challenges that may contribute to unrest among learners.

Learners face diverse pressures, including emotional distress, peer influence, bullying, family difficulties, substance use, academic pressure, conflicts with teachers and fellow students, and challenges associated with adolescence.

Without accessible and professional psychosocial support, some of these challenges may escalate into indiscipline, violence, destruction of property or other forms of unrest.

A qualified professional counsellor can provide confidential counselling within appropriate safeguarding limits, identify learners who require additional support, facilitate conflict resolution, strengthen emotional regulation and coping skills, and establish referral pathways for cases requiring specialised intervention.

Professional counselling can also support teachers and school administrators in managing challenging situations and creating healthier relationships within school communities.

Counselling should not be treated as an optional service, an additional duty casually assigned to an already overburdened teacher, or an intervention introduced only after a crisis has occurred.

It must be recognised as an essential component of learner welfare, school safety, preventive discipline and educational management.

I further urge the task team to explicitly examine the availability, accessibility, staffing and effectiveness of counselling services in schools and other learning institutions.

Its recommendations should include clear policy requirements, adequate funding, professional staffing standards, appropriate facilities and mechanisms for monitoring implementation.

Importantly, the government must ensure that the task team's recommendations do not remain on paper.

Kenya has undertaken inquiries into school unrest before; the real test of this new initiative will be the implementation of practical, measurable and sustainable reforms.

A safe school is not merely one without strikes, violence or destruction of property.

It is an institution where learners feel heard, respected, supported and protected; where discipline is fair and consistent; and where professional help is available before problems escalate.

Establishing a functional counselling office in every learning institution, staffed by a trained professional counsellor, is not a luxury.

 Obed Ratemo is Education Professional | Psychological Counselling Advocate