Don't force learners into exams, PS Bitok tells schools amid unrest

Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok during a prize-giving ceremony at Kenya High School in Nairobi on June 4, 2026/HANDOUT

Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has linked recent unrest in secondary schools to growing pressure among learners, particularly around examinations, and called on school administrators to adopt a more flexible and student-centred approach to management.

Bitok said some of the tensions being witnessed in schools could be addressed through dialogue and a better understanding of students' concerns.

Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony at Kenya High School in Nairobi, the PS urged principals and teachers not to ignore signs of anxiety among learners, especially during examination periods.

"We are not saying students should not do exams, especially the county-based mocks. What we are saying is that if students express anxieties or say they're not ready, there is no point in forcing them," Bitok said.

"You'd rather postpone the tests than have a burnt-down institution."

His remarks come amid a rise in cases of student unrest reported in different parts of the country, with education stakeholders increasingly questioning whether schools are doing enough to address learners' mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Bitok challenged school administrators to rethink traditional disciplinary and management approaches.

He argued that today's students are more informed, more aware of their rights and more willing to express their concerns than previous generations.

"We must appreciate that learners today are different. They are highly enlightened and sensitive about their rights and freedoms. School leadership must evolve to respond to this reality," he said.

The PS called for stronger student leadership structures, saying learners should be given meaningful platforms to air grievances before frustrations escalate into destructive actions.

He also urged schools to invest more in guidance and counselling, mentorship programmes and psychosocial support services.

According to Bitok, creating channels for open communication between students and school management remains one of the most effective ways of preventing unrest.

"Dialogue must always take precedence over destruction. We encourage learners to use the existing channels of engagement within their schools and work closely with teachers and school management in resolving any concerns," he said.

The remarks signal a shift in the ministry's response to school unrest, moving beyond punitive measures to a broader focus on student welfare, mental health and conflict resolution.

While acknowledging recent incidents, Bitok dismissed calls for an early midterm break, saying the disturbances were limited to a small number of institutions.

Data from the ministry, he said, shows that learning continues normally in the vast majority of schools.

"We have no plans for unscheduled closure of schools. Learning is continuing normally in 99 per cent of our schools while only around 0.8 per cent of our schools have issues," he said.

"Our focus is on addressing the challenges in the few affected institutions while ensuring that all learners continue with their education without disruption."

To enhance safety and improve oversight, the ministry has launched a nationwide inspection of school facilities and safety standards.

Bitok announced that 400 additional quality assurance officers have been recruited and deployed, raising the total number to 1,000 officers countrywide.

The officers will support ongoing audits aimed at strengthening safety measures, improving preparedness and ensuring schools provide secure learning environments.

"We want every learner to study in a safe, secure and supportive environment. The ongoing safety audit will help us strengthen preparedness, improve institutional response mechanisms and enhance the welfare of learners across all institutions," he said.