NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has announced the formation of a multi-stakeholder task force to investigate and address the root causes of a wave of student unrest that has affected 204 senior schools across the country, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has said.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ogamba described the recent incidents as a serious threat to learning, school safety, and national development, noting that the disturbances had resulted in loss of life, injuries, and destruction of school property.
The announcement comes weeks after a deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where 16 students lost their lives. Investigations established that the blaze was an act of arson allegedly orchestrated by learners.
“We recall with utmost grief and pain the most unfortunate fire tragedy that led to the regrettable loss of sixteen learners at Utumishi Girls Academy,” Ogamba said.
According to the ministry, nine suspects linked to the incident have already been arraigned in court and remain in custody as investigations continue.
While condemning the unrest, the CS emphasized that grievances raised by learners must be addressed through lawful and established channels.
“Whatever grievances learners may have, there can never be justification for causing death and destroying property. All perpetrators will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law,” he said.
Despite the incidents, Ogamba said the majority of schools remain stable, revealing that less than two per cent of the country’s senior schools have experienced unrest. He noted that more than 98 per cent continue to operate normally, with the disturbances largely confined to boarding secondary schools.
The ministry reported that 59 of the affected institutions have already resumed learning, while students in Grades 1 to 9 have experienced no significant disruption.
Preliminary assessments by the ministry identified several factors contributing to the unrest, including leadership challenges in schools, examination-related anxiety, poor boarding facilities, alcohol and drug abuse, demanding school routines, peer influence, and copycat behaviour.
The CS reminded school heads of their legal responsibility to safeguard learners and address emerging concerns promptly.
As part of immediate interventions, the ministry directed schools to convene Parents Association meetings to discuss student welfare and strengthen guidance and counselling programmes. County and Sub-County education offices have also been instructed to conduct safety audits and closely monitor institutions considered vulnerable.
The government further confirmed that the second-term mid-term break will proceed as scheduled from June 24 to June 28, 2026. Parents and guardians have been urged to use the period to engage with their children and provide guidance.
In a broader reform measure, Ogamba announced that the ministry will rationalise the school calendar beginning next year to create more balanced academic terms.
The unrest has reignited debate about student welfare, discipline and mental health in Kenyan schools. Education stakeholders have increasingly called for reforms that prioritise learner wellbeing while maintaining discipline and academic standards.
Ogamba said the government would continue consulting stakeholders and provide updates as efforts to restore stability in schools continue. He stressed that nurturing responsible and law-abiding citizens remains a shared responsibility among government, parents, teachers and school leaders.
