Koskei urges discipline, compassion after Utumishi school tragedy

Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei during an event in Nandi on May 29, 2026/HOPS

Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei has called for stronger moral guidance, discipline and compassion among learners following the Utumishi tragedy, saying the incident had deeply saddened the country and highlighted the need to safeguard students in schools.

‎He said schools, parents and communities all had a shared responsibility in nurturing responsible and morally upright young people.

‎“Discipline must remain the cornerstone of academic achievement and responsible citizenship,” Koskei said, noting that education should shape both academic excellence and character.

‎Referring to the Utumishi tragedy, the Chief of Staff described it as a painful moment for students, teachers, parents and the nation.

‎He asked the gathering to observe a minute of silence in honour of those affected, saying every child’s life was precious and must be protected.

‎Koskei encouraged learners to uphold integrity, respect life and allow hard work and good conduct to define them both in and outside the classroom.

‎The prayer event brought together students from Chemase Zone in Nandi County and Miwani Zone in Kisumu County, with schools using the occasion to seek spiritual encouragement ahead of the 2026 KCSE examinations.

‎Schools represented included Kapsigilai Girls' Senior School, Kamuny Secondary, St John Kabongwa, Chemase Secondary, St Paul Chemal, Chemutia Secondary, Kimwani Secondary School, Kibigori Mixed Day Secondary, Nyakoko Mixed Day Secondary and Miwani Secondary.

‎Koskei also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring learners from hardship and vulnerable areas access quality education and opportunities for advancement.

‎He noted that Chemase had been designated a hardship area and said deliberate investment was necessary to improve learning conditions and educational outcomes in the region.

‎At the event, top-performing students were recognised and awarded for academic excellence, while books were distributed to schools to help address shortages in learning materials.

‎Koskei further challenged schools to improve performance in core subjects such as Mathematics, Chemistry and English to strengthen university transition rates and broaden career opportunities for learners.

‎Government agencies present also conducted service clinics on education support, health services, youth empowerment and social protection programmes.

‎Tree seedlings were distributed to schools as part of efforts to promote environmental conservation and climate resilience.

‎Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said electricity connectivity projects in the area were progressing and would support digital learning and socio-economic growth.

‎Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh encouraged students to embrace science subjects and explore opportunities in agriculture, agribusiness and innovation.

‎The event was attended by Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, Principal Secretaries, MPs, MCAs, teachers, parents, students and local leaders.