The Government has announced a series of interventions aimed at enhancing safety in schools following recent incidents of student unrest that have resulted in loss of life, destruction of property and disruption of learning in several institutions across the country.
The measures were discussed on Tuesday during a high-level meeting at Harambee House Annex, where Deputy President Kithure Kindiki received a status report from senior officials of the Ministry of Education on the security situation in schools and ongoing efforts to restore calm.
Officials informed the Deputy President that although a number of schools have recently experienced unrest, the affected institutions represent only a small fraction of the country’s learning facilities. Kenya currently has about 9,500 schools, including 3,200 boarding institutions, with fewer than 200 schools reporting disturbances.
The Government noted that some of the schools that had temporarily suspended learning due to security concerns have since reopened and resumed normal operations.
Addressing the issue, Kindiki emphasized that while the Government is concerned by the incidents, the vast majority of schools continue to function normally and provide a conducive learning environment.
He acknowledged the recent loss of lives in school-related incidents, describing the events as tragic and regrettable. The Deputy President said school administrators should continue assessing situations individually and take appropriate measures whenever student safety is at risk.
“School managers are best placed to evaluate the circumstances within their institutions and make decisions that protect learners, teachers and the wider school community,” he said.
As part of the response strategy, the Ministry of Education has been directed to engage key stakeholders, including parents, teachers, students and school boards, in developing practical solutions to emerging challenges in the education sector.
The ministry is also expected to review existing policies and propose reforms aimed at improving service delivery, enhancing accountability and strengthening safety mechanisms in schools.
Kindiki said the Government would use lessons learned from the recent incidents to identify policy gaps and formulate long-term interventions that address student grievances while maintaining discipline and order.
The Deputy President further stressed the need for strict enforcement of safety regulations and greater accountability among all stakeholders in the education system.
At the same time, the Government issued a strong warning against acts of indiscipline that escalate into criminal behavior, particularly arson attacks and destruction of school property.
Kindiki condemned incidents in which students have allegedly participated in violent acts, saying such actions undermine learning and endanger lives.
He cited the tragedy at Michigan Girls Academy, where 16 students lost their lives, describing it as a painful reminder of the need to strengthen safety measures in learning institutions.
“No grievance can justify criminal acts that result in loss of life, destruction of property or harm to innocent learners,” he said.
The Government has assured the public that immediate, medium-term and long-term measures are being implemented to improve safety standards, reinforce discipline and prevent future occurrences of school unrest.
The briefing was attended by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, Basic Education Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok, Higher Education and Research Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, TVET Principal Secretary Dr. Esther Muoria, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Education.
Education officials reiterated their commitment to ensuring schools remain safe environments where learners can pursue their studies without disruption while addressing concerns raised by students and other stakeholders.
