NAIROBI, Kenya— Lenana School has temporarily suspended learning and sent students home following unrest reported at the institution on Monday night, adding to growing concerns over a wave of disturbances and fire incidents affecting schools across the country.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, the school’s administration directed parents and guardians to pick up their children from the school beginning at 8:00 a.m., following a decision by the Board of Management and the administration to temporarily release all learners.
The school indicated that the move was necessary to restore calm and allow a comprehensive assessment of the circumstances surrounding the unrest.
Students sent home after night disturbance
According to the school’s management, the unrest occurred during evening prep sessions on June 1.
In a statement signed by the Chief Principal, parents and guardians were informed that the Board of Management and the school administration had resolved to temporarily release students from the institution.
“Following the restlessness and disturbance experienced during preps in the school last night, the Board of Management and the school administration have resolved to temporarily release all students to allow for restoration of normalcy and a comprehensive assessment of the situation,” the notice stated.
The administration further directed that every student must leave the school compound in the company of a parent, guardian, or an authorised representative.
“You are therefore requested to pick your son from the school at 8:00 a.m. today. Kindly ensure that all students leave the school compound accompanied by a parent, guardian, or an authorized representative,” the statement added.
School management said further communication regarding the reporting date and subsequent arrangements would be issued later.
School apologises to parents
The administration apologised for the disruption caused by the temporary closure and thanked parents and guardians for their cooperation.
“We regret the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding, cooperation, and continued support during this period,” the Chief Principal said.
The school has not disclosed the exact cause of the disturbance, and no injuries or property damage had been officially reported at the time of publication.
Closure comes amid rising school unrest
The temporary closure comes against the backdrop of several recent incidents involving unrest and fires in schools across Kenya.
On May 30, a fire broke out at St Joseph’s Seminary Senior School in Molo, destroying part of a Form Two dormitory. Emergency responders contained the blaze and no injuries or deaths were reported.
In a separate incident, a girls’ dormitory at St Paul Githakwa Secondary School in Tetu, Nyeri County, caught fire. Authorities alleged the incident may have been an act of arson by learners, although investigations are ongoing.
The latest cases follow the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, where 16 students lost their lives and dozens of others sustained injuries, prompting renewed scrutiny of school safety measures nationwide.
Meanwhile, another fire was reported at Tarakwa High School in Bomet County in the early hours of June 2, though authorities indicated there were no casualties.
As investigations continue at Lenana School, parents and students now await communication from the administration on when normal learning will resume. The incident is likely to renew discussions about student welfare, discipline, and safety in Kenyan schools at a time when education institutions are facing increased scrutiny.
