- Education commentator Astiba Kebong’o says restoring discipline in Kenyan schools requires collective responsibility from parents, teachers, government and communities.
- Rising cases of school unrest have reignited debate on character formation, learner discipline and school safety.
- Strong preventive interventions, guidance and counselling, and moral education are essential to safeguarding Kenya’s education system.
Recent cases of school unrest, arson, vandalism and destruction of property have sparked renewed concern about discipline in Kenya’s education system.
Although the overwhelming majority of learners remain disciplined and committed to their education, a small number of violent incidents have raised difficult questions about the country’s approach to character formation and learner discipline.
Education experts argue that these incidents should not simply be viewed as isolated acts of misconduct but as opportunities for national reflection on the values being nurtured both in schools and society.
Children do not grow in isolation.
They learn from families, communities, social media, religious institutions and the broader society around them.
Many observers argue that schools increasingly mirror the challenges already evident in society, including intolerance, hostility, corruption and declining respect for lawful authority.
Education therefore remains about more than academic achievement.
It is also about nurturing responsible citizens capable of serving society with integrity, discipline and respect for others.
Discipline and dignity
Kenya’s Constitution guarantees every person’s right to dignity while also protecting every child’s right to education and safety.
Similarly, the Basic Education Act and the Children Act place responsibilities on learners, parents, Boards of Management and the Ministry of Education to promote safe and supportive learning environments.
Education experts emphasise that discipline and human dignity are complementary rather than conflicting values.
Effective discipline seeks to guide, correct and prepare young people for responsible adulthood rather than humiliate or punish them.
Legal consequences
Security agencies have repeatedly warned learners against engaging in criminal acts such as arson, malicious damage to property, assault and violence.
Legal experts caution that convictions for such offences can affect future education, employment opportunities, professional registration and public trust.
Young people are therefore encouraged to appreciate that decisions made during their school years can have lifelong consequences.
Education stakeholders believe that preventing unrest requires sustained investment in guidance and counselling, mental health support, conflict resolution, digital citizenship and character education.
They argue that prevention is significantly less costly than rebuilding classrooms, dormitories and laboratories destroyed through violence.
The Teachers Service Commission is also encouraged to continue strengthening teacher capacity in classroom management, adolescent psychology, learner wellbeing and conflict resolution.
Shared responsibility
Parents remain the first teachers of character.
Schools reinforce values already introduced within families, while religious institutions and communities provide additional moral guidance.
Education experts therefore maintain that restoring discipline requires cooperation among government, schools, parents, teachers, religious leaders, law enforcement agencies, the Judiciary and learners themselves.
School administrators are equally urged to lead with fairness, empathy and consistency while maintaining open communication with learners.
Protecting the future
Education specialists say learners should recognise that schools belong to them.
Destroying classrooms, laboratories or dormitories ultimately undermines their own opportunities to learn and succeed.
They argue that Kenya’s long-term prosperity depends not only on curriculum reforms or examination results but also on the character and values developed among young people.
The country’s response to school indiscipline, they say, should therefore move beyond assigning blame and instead focus on strengthening families, supporting schools and cultivating responsible citizenship.
Ultimately, discipline remains the foundation upon which quality education, responsible leadership and sustainable national development are built.
By Astiba Kebong’o
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