Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced a series of measures aimed at addressing the wave of unrest in schools across the country, even as the government maintains that the majority of learning institutions remain stable and operational.
In a statement issued on Wednesday June 10, Ogamba said recent incidents of unrest, particularly in boarding senior schools, have resulted in loss of life, injuries, destruction of school property and disruption of learning.
He cited the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which claimed the lives of 16 students. He said investigations have established that the fire was an act of arson allegedly orchestrated by learners, with nine suspects already arraigned in court and remanded in custody.
“We recall with utmost grief and pain the most unfortunate fire tragedy that led to the regrettable loss of 16 learners at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil Sub-County, Nakuru County. Investigations have since established that the fire was an act of arson orchestrated by some learners. Nine suspects have already been arraigned and are remanded in custody,” CS Ogamba said.
The CS expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished those injured a speedy recovery, while warning that the government would firmly deal with all perpetrators of school unrest in accordance with the law.
“Any grievances must only be addressed through appropriate channels without resorting to unlawful actions or violence. All perpetrators will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law,” Ogamba warned.
According to the ministry, unrest has affected 204 senior schools across the country, representing less than two percent of schools nationwide. Ogamba noted that more than 98 percent of schools remain stable and continue with normal operations. Of the affected institutions, 59 have already resumed learning after students returned to school.
He added that learning for students in Grades 1 to 9 has continued uninterrupted, with the unrest largely confined to boarding senior schools.
He attributed the disturbances to a combination of factors, including “leadership challenges in institutions; learner anxiety and examination-related stress; poor school conditions, especially in boarding sections; alcohol and drug abuse; strenuous school routines; peer influence and copycat behavior, with learners demanding to be released early from school.”
To address the issue, CS Ogamba said the government will establish a multi-stakeholder team tasked with investigating the root causes of student unrest and recommending long-term solutions.
Ogamba also confirmed that the second-term mid-term break will proceed as scheduled from June 24 to June 28, 2026, dismissing speculation about an early closure of schools.
He urged Parents and guardians to use the break to engage with and guide their children, while schools have been directed to convene Parents Association meetings to discuss learner welfare and emerging concerns.
The ministry further instructed schools to strengthen safety measures, enhance guidance and counselling programmes, and improve grievance-handling mechanisms.
“Schools shall strengthen safety measures and address any concerns and grievances that learners may have raised. Schools shall also intensify guidance and counselling programmes and strengthen learner-grievance handling mechanisms,” said CS Ogamba.
The Education CS further announced that the ministry will rationalise the academic calendar beginning next year to ensure more balanced school terms throughout the year.
He also called on parents, teachers, school administrators and other stakeholders to work together to address the challenge, stressing that nurturing disciplined and responsible citizens is a shared responsibility.
