New programs for schools to curb student unrest

The government plans to introduce new programmes targeting parents, mental health and guidance and counselling as part of efforts to curb rising cases of unrest in schools.

Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtua said the measures are aimed at addressing the root causes of indiscipline and helping learners resolve grievances without resorting to violence.

Speaking during the 49^th Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (Kessha) Annual National Conference in Mombasa on Tuesday, Ololtua said parents must play a bigger role in raising and disciplining children.

“I would want us to focus on a robust programme to address issues relating to parenting,” he said.

The PS said religious leaders could partner with the Ministry of Education to reach parents through churches, mosques and other places of worship and help reinforce their responsibility in guiding children.

The government is also seeking to strengthen guidance and counselling services in schools and roll out mental health programmes to support learners.

His remarks come amid a wave of student unrest across the country, including a recent incident at Utumishi Academy in Nakuru county in which at least 16 learners died.

Ololtua urged students to learn peaceful ways of expressing grievances and warned that actions taken in school could have lasting consequences.

“I don’t really know whether they understand the magnitude of what they do. It is something that all of us need to engage on,” he said.

He said school unrest can be addressed if parents, teachers, learners, religious leaders and government agencies work together.

The PS said discipline must be anchored in strong values, including responsibility, patriotism and self-reflection.

He also called for a national conversation on discipline that begins at the family level and extends to communities and schools.

“There are many challenges in schools, but they do not justify the destruction of property,” he said.

Kessha national chairman Willie Mwangi said school heads were equally concerned about recurring unrest and supported a multi-sectoral approach to finding lasting solutions.

“This challenge calls for schools, parents, religious institutions, government agencies and society to work together,” Mwangi said.

“We remain hopeful that, together, we can identify sustainable solutions that promote discipline, learner well-being and a conducive learning environment.”

However, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) argued that some unrest is linked to challenges beyond the control of teachers.

Deputy secretary general Moses Nthurima said delayed capitation, overcrowding and inadequate facilities contribute to tensions in schools.

“Teachers have tried their best. Sometimes food is not enough because capitation has not been released. Sometimes schools lack adequate amenities because enrolment has outgrown infrastructure,” he said.

He urged the ministry to adequately fund schools and strengthen inspections, saying this would help address some of the pressures that often trigger unrest.