Kyuso Boys Secondary School in Kitui county has been closed after students went on a rampage on Friday night, burning a dormitory and shattering windowpanes.
Education authorities ordered the school shut for a week on Saturday.
Kyuso subcounty education officer Stephen Mulandi told the media the rioting students claimed they were being underfed.
“The students claimed that they were unhappy that several of them were meant to share food from a single plate,” he said.
“However, it looks like they went on strike because they feared taking their end-term examination.”
He said most students fled the school after they were involved in the strike. About 100 remained in the school but were asked to go home.
Mulandi said the fire did not cause substantial damage as only six mattresses were razed.
He said it was hoped that by the time the students return on July 21, investigations will have been concluded.
He added that the exam was likely to be pushed to next term.
