School principals gather in Mombasa, student unrest tops agenda

More than 7,300 members of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) have converged in Mombasa for a four-day annual conference, even as the education sector grapples with growing cases of student unrest across schools countrywide.

KESSHA National Chairman, Willie Kuria said student unrest will be a key agenda item during the conference, with school heads expected to deliberate on its causes and propose practical solutions to address the challenge.

"It has been a very challenging time for school heads this second term of 2026,” he said, adding that learners who are uncomfortable with boarding school environments should be transferred to day schools, where they can receive closer supervision from their parents.

Kuria noted that boarding schools require responsible learners and proposed that students who are unable to cope with boarding school regulations should consider enrolling in day schools.

The 49^th  KCB/KESSHA Conference is themed: Strong Schools and Collaborative Leadership for Promoting Competency-Based Education.

Kuria said the theme reflects the association’s commitment to strengthening school leadership, fostering collaboration among education stakeholders and ensuring the successful implementation of competency-based education (CBE) in Kenya.

“As heads of institutions, we recognise that the transformation of education requires strong institutions, visionary leadership, effective partnerships and continuous professional learning,” he said.

The annual conference remains the premier forum that brings together secondary school principals from across the country to reflect on emerging educational issues, share experiences and best practices, learn from experts and policymakers and provide professional perspectives on matters affecting education and national development.

During the conference, principals will engage in discussions on leadership in a changing educational environment, digital transformation in schools and mental wellness among learners and school leaders.

Discussions will also focus on accountability and transparency in education, the implementation of education reforms and sustainable financing of education.

The conference will feature open forums with officials from the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission, providing principals with an opportunity for direct engagement on policy and implementation issues.

Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, is expected to officially open the conference on Wednesday.

The event will also be attended by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and the Principal Secretary for Basic Education John Ololtuaa.

“As KESSHA, we remain committed to supporting quality, inclusive and transformative education for all learners. We believe this conference will generate valuable and practical recommendations that will strengthen the delivery of CBE and enhance learning outcomes across the country,” Kuria said.

KCB Coast Regional Business Manager Yasir Jamal said strong institutions are built through strong partnerships.

“We are committed to supporting schools through financing, sustainability solutions and strategic partnerships that help institutions grow and thrive,” said Jamal.

He highlighted initiatives in clean energy, scholarships and school financing that continue to strengthen learning environments and contribute to improved educational outcomes for learners across the country.

Through the KCB Foundation, he disclosed that the bank is investing more than Sh600 million in 2026 to support 1,000 academically gifted but financially vulnerable students.

“The programme covers school fees, uniforms, stipends, mentorship and talent development through to university,” he explained.

KCB Bank also provides financing to help schools meet immediate operational needs without disrupting learning.

The Regional Manager noted that infrastructure and asset financing solutions support the construction and modernisation of classrooms, dormitories and laboratories.

"These solutions enable schools to maintain stability while investing in growth and improved learning environments,” he said.