The Ministry of Education has confirmed that all schools across the country will proceed with the scheduled second-term mid-term break from June 24 to June 28, despite growing concerns over a wave of unrest reported in several learning institutions.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced the decision on Wednesday, emphasizing that the government remains committed to maintaining stability in schools while addressing the root causes of recent disturbances.
Speaking at Jogoo House in Nairobi, Ogamba said the ministry had established a multi-agency team tasked with examining the growing cases of unrest and recommending long-term interventions to improve safety and discipline in schools.
Government Forms Taskforce to Address School Disturbances
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the taskforce will bring together education officials, security agencies, school administrators, parents, and other stakeholders to investigate the factors fueling unrest in schools.
Ogamba noted that preliminary assessments indicate that the disturbances are being driven by a combination of challenges, including leadership issues within institutions, examination-related anxiety, poor conditions in some boarding schools, drug and substance abuse, demanding school routines, and peer influence.
“The unrest appears to be influenced by multiple factors, including learner stress, institutional management challenges, and social pressures that require a coordinated response from all stakeholders,” he said.
The ministry expects the team to propose sustainable solutions aimed at improving the learning environment while safeguarding students and school property.
New Safety Measures for Schools
As part of immediate interventions, school administrators have been directed to strengthen safety protocols, enhance guidance and counselling programmes, and establish mechanisms for addressing student grievances before they escalate.
County and sub-county education officers have also been instructed to conduct targeted safety audits and risk assessments in institutions considered vulnerable to unrest.
The ministry further announced plans to review and rationalize the school calendar beginning next year to create a more balanced academic schedule, including a shorter second term.
More Than 200 Schools Affected
Ministry data indicates that unrest has affected 204 senior boarding schools across the country in recent weeks. However, officials report that 59 of the affected institutions have already resumed normal operations following interventions by school administrations and education authorities.
Despite the incidents, Ogamba emphasized that the vast majority of schools remain stable.
“Approximately 98 percent of our senior schools continue to operate normally, while learners in Grades One to Nine remain unaffected and are continuing with their studies,” he said.
Utumishi Girls Tragedy Raises National Concern
The announcement comes amid heightened concern following the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where 16 students lost their lives.
Ogamba revealed that investigations had established the fire was an act of criminal arson allegedly planned and executed by students. Nine suspects have since been arraigned in court and remain in custody as investigations continue.
“Whatever grievances learners may have, there can never be justification for causing death, injury, or destruction of property,” the CS stated.
He urged students to use established channels to air concerns rather than resorting to violence or unlawful actions.
No Blanket Directive to Send Students Home
The Education Ministry also clarified that it has not authorized schools to release students early unless there are genuine security concerns.
Ogamba cautioned school heads against using the unrest as a justification to send learners home unnecessarily, noting that decisions to temporarily close schools should only be made where there is a clear threat to safety.
Some school boards and administrators have, however, opted to release students in affected institutions as a precautionary measure aimed at preventing further destruction of property and protecting lives.
The government says it will continue working closely with schools, parents, and security agencies to restore calm and ensure a safe learning environment for all students.
