- The government has disclosed that 462 students have been arrested during the second term of 2026 over school unrest involving arson, vandalism and threats.
- PS Ololtuaa has told the National Assembly Education Committee that affected students have undergone police investigations, court processes and rehabilitation programmes.
- The disclosure has followed the Utumishi Girls Academy fire on 28 May 2026, which claimed 16 lives and renewed calls for stronger school safety measures.
The government has revealed that 462 students were arrested during the second term of 2026 following a wave of unrest that disrupted learning in schools across the country, a disclosure that has underscored growing concerns over discipline and safety in Kenyan learning institutions.
Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa disclosed the figures while appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education, saying the arrests followed coordinated operations involving the Ministry of Education, the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
According to Ololtuaa, the affected students were linked to a range of offences, including arson, attempted arson, vandalism, issuing threats, incitement, possession of prohibited items and planning unlawful activities. He said the government was determined to hold those responsible accountable while protecting the lives of learners, teachers and school communities.
ALSO READ:
Government intensifies efforts to turn school talent into sustainable careers
Ololtuaa explained that the students have since undergone different legal and corrective processes depending on the nature of their cases, including police investigations, court appearances, remand or release on bond, as well as guidance, counselling and rehabilitation programmes designed to support behavioural change and reintegration.
The disclosure comes after a troubling second term marked by a series of unrest incidents in different parts of the country, many of which resulted in the destruction of property and disruption of learning. The disturbances prompted the Ministry of Education to intensify collaboration with security agencies and school administrators to identify the root causes of the unrest and strengthen preventive measures.
ALSO READ: EPRA exposes illegal wiring and faulty safety systems in fatal Endarasha fire
Among the most tragic incidents during the term was the fire at Utumishi Girls Academy on 28 May 2026, which claimed the lives of 16 students and left dozens of others injured. The tragedy shocked the nation and renewed calls for enhanced school safety, stronger guidance and counselling programmes, and more effective mechanisms for detecting and addressing student grievances before they escalate into violence.
MoE has since reaffirmed its commitment to restoring discipline and ensuring that schools remain safe and conducive environments for learning, saying it will continue working with parents, teachers, boards of management and security agencies to address the underlying causes of student unrest while ensuring that those who engage in criminal acts face the law.
By Hillary Muhalya
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.
