Tensions escalated at Ndaraweta Girls High School in Bomet Central Sub County yesterday night and continued into this morning after students threatened to go on strike following the proposed transfer of one of their teachers.
The situation prompted swift intervention from both the school administration and local police to torn down the tensed school atmosphere.
According to local residents, the disturbances were loud enough to be heard outside the school premises.
“I heard shouting from the school late last night. It sounded like the students were very angry,” said Mary Korir, a resident who lives near the school. She added: “It was worrying, so I am glad the police came to calm things down.”
The students reportedly opposed the transfer of a teacher they regard highly.
“We do not want our teacher to be transferred. She has helped many of us and we feel she understands our needs better than anyone else,” said one student was overheard saying.
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School staff confirmed that the situation arose from the planned transfer, but assured that the teacher in question remained at the school while the administration handled the matter.
“We understand the students’ concerns. Our priority is to maintain a calm learning environment while following the directives from the education office,” said a senior teacher who wished not to be named for the fear of victimization.
Another teacher, added: “This teacher is very dedicated, and the students are attached to her. We are trying to explain to them that transfers are part of the system and decisions are made by the education authorities. We are asking students to remain calm.”
A local Michael Langat also expressed concern over the potential disruption of learning.
“The community values education highly, and we do not want the students’ studies to be affected. We are appealing to both the education officials and the students to find a peaceful solution,” said Langat.
At the time of reporting, education officials were present at the school, engaging with both the administration and the students to resolve the matter.
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The school management said normal lessons are expected to resume once the students are reassured about the teacher’s continued presence.
Parents and local residents urged dialogue to avoid escalating tensions. “Students should be heard, but there should also be understanding that transfers happen. The most important thing is to protect their education,” said one of the school parent.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing that calm and communication remain critical to resolving the standoff without further disruptions.
This comes amid wave of student unrest which has swept across schools in Kenya, with many torching down school dormitories and vandalizing key infrastructures.
By Kimutai Langat
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