NAIROBI, Kenya – Learning has been disrupted in dozens of secondary schools across Kenya following a fresh wave of student unrest, dormitory fires and security concerns that have forced school administrators to send thousands of learners home.
The crisis, which has unfolded during the second term, has affected schools in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kakamega, Kisii, Bungoma, Nakuru and several other counties, prompting concerns over student welfare, discipline and safety.
Reports indicate that more than 30 schools have been closed indefinitely, while some estimates place the number of affected institutions at over 50 nationwide.
The unrest comes barely two weeks after the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil that claimed the lives of 16 students and left dozens injured.
The incident triggered heightened scrutiny of boarding school safety and is widely seen as a catalyst for renewed tensions in schools across the country.
Among the schools reported to have temporarily closed or sent learners home are Mang’u High School, Lenana School, Upper Hill School, St George’s Girls Secondary School and Mukumu Girls High School. Authorities say the closures were precautionary measures aimed at preventing escalation of unrest and protecting students.
Other institutions affected include Loreto Girls Limuru, which was closed indefinitely following a student disturbance, while several schools in Western Kenya, Nyanza and the Rift Valley have also suspended learning after fires, planned strikes and acts of vandalism.
Education stakeholders warn that the situation has become one of the most widespread school disruptions in recent years.
Some reports suggest that close to 100 schools have experienced varying forms of unrest since the beginning of the second term, ranging from dormitory fires and destruction of property to student walkouts and planned strikes.
The Ministry of Education, however, has maintained that the unrest affects only a small fraction of schools nationally and has ruled out calls for an early mid-term break or nationwide closure.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has assured parents that learning remains uninterrupted in the vast majority of institutions and that the government is addressing emerging cases.
Education experts have linked the unrest to a combination of factors, including academic pressure, disciplinary disputes, communication breakdowns between students and school administrations, and concerns over student welfare.
The recent spate of dormitory fires has also renewed calls for comprehensive safety audits in boarding schools.
As investigations continue into several fire incidents, authorities have intensified inspections of schools across the country, with a focus on dormitory safety, emergency preparedness and compliance with ministry regulations.
The unfolding crisis has left parents, teachers and education officials grappling with how to restore calm and prevent further disruptions as schools head deeper into one of the busiest academic terms of the year.
