State forms multi-stakeholder team to tackle school unrest

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba during a past event /FILE

The government will establish a multi-stakeholder team to investigate the causes of rising unrest in schools and recommend long-term solutions, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced Wednesday as authorities moved to address disturbances that have affected more than 200 secondary schools across the country.

The task force, which will bring together key education stakeholders, is expected to review the factors driving student unrest and propose strategies to stem what has become a recurring challenge in Kenya's education sector.

Ogamba said the decision followed extensive consultations within government and with stakeholders, adding that the ministry is determined to address both the immediate triggers and the underlying causes of the unrest.

“Following due consultations within the government and other stakeholders, we wish to announce that we shall be forming a multi-stakeholder team to review the causes of unrest and make recommendations on strategies for stemming this challenge,” he said.

The announcement comes amid growing concern over incidents of student strikes, destruction of school property and disruptions to learning reported in various parts of the country.

Despite the incidents, the Education CS sought to reassure parents and the public that the unrest has affected only a small fraction of schools nationwide.

According to the ministry data, 204 senior secondary schools have reported cases of unrest.

However, Ogamba noted that this represents less than two per cent of all senior schools in the country.

“Most of our schools, around 98 per cent, remain stable and continue with their normal operations,” he said.

The ministry's preliminary assessment indicates that boarding schools account for the majority of the affected institutions, while day secondary schools have largely continued operating without major interruptions.

Of the schools affected, 59 have already resumed learning after restoring order, with more expected to reopen and resume normal operations in the coming days.

Ogamba further emphasised that learning remains uninterrupted in lower levels of basic education, noting that learners in Grade 1 to Grade 9 have continued with their studies without any reported disruptions.

“Our basic education system is running smoothly except for the disruptions in the boarding senior schools that have been mentioned,” he said.

While condemning the destruction of property and violent conduct, the CS acknowledged that students may have legitimate concerns that require attention. However, he stressed that grievances must be addressed through established channels rather than unlawful actions.

“Whatever grievances that our learners may have, there can never be justification for causing death and destroying property,” he said. “Any grievances must only be addressed through appropriate channels without resorting to unlawful actions.”

He warned that learners and other individuals found responsible for acts of arson, violence or destruction of school facilities would face legal consequences.

The ministry's preliminary reviews have identified a range of factors contributing to the unrest, including leadership challenges in institutions, examination-related anxiety, poor conditions in some boarding facilities, alcohol and drug abuse, strenuous school routines, peer pressure and copycat behaviour.

The ministry has also observed increasing demands by students for early release from school, a trend that has featured prominently in some of the reported incidents.

Ogamba challenged school administrators to take proactive measures in addressing emerging concerns before they escalate into crises.

“Heads of institutions are reminded that it is their statutory and moral responsibility to ensure that any challenges in their institutions are addressed in good time and that the safety and security of our learners are guaranteed,” he said.

As part of the government's response, schools have been directed to urgently convene parents' association meetings to discuss learner welfare and review conditions within their institutions.

Schools are also expected to strengthen guidance and counselling programmes, improve grievance-handling mechanisms and address concerns raised by students before the mid-term break.

County and subcounty education officers have been instructed to conduct targeted safety assessments and audits, particularly in institutions considered vulnerable to unrest.

Meanwhile, the second-term mid-term break will proceed as scheduled from June 24 to June 28.

The ministry is urging parents and guardians to use the break to spend time with their children, offer guidance and discuss any concerns affecting their wellbeing.

In what could signal broader reforms within the education sector, Ogamba also announced that the ministry will review the school calendar beginning next year to ensure a more balanced academic schedule.

“Starting next academic year, the ministry shall rationalize the school calendar to ensure that the terms are balanced and that the second term is not as long as it has been,” he said.