NAIROBI, Kenya — The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), also known as the Office of the Ombudsman, has raised concern over the growing wave of student unrest across Kenya, warning that recurring incidents of arson, vandalism, and school closures point to deeper governance and administrative challenges within the education sector.
In a statement issued Tuesday, CAJ Chairperson Charles Dulo said the recent disturbances have disrupted learning, endangered students and staff, and resulted in significant losses of public resources.
According to the Commission, media reports indicate that more than 70 secondary schools across at least 16 counties have been affected by unrest, forcing some institutions to suspend learning activities and disrupting education for thousands of learners in both day and boarding schools.
“The destruction of dormitories, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and other school facilities not only interrupts the academic calendar but also undermines public investment and the constitutional right to education,” the Commission said.
The Ombudsman noted that while acts of violence, arson, and vandalism must be addressed through the criminal justice system, the recurring nature of the incidents suggests broader institutional weaknesses that require urgent examination.
Among the concerns highlighted are ineffective grievance-handling mechanisms, poor communication between school administrations and learners, inadequate counselling services, gaps in emergency preparedness, and weaknesses in administrative oversight.
Dulo said the Commission’s constitutional and statutory mandate requires it to investigate maladministration in public institutions and oversee the implementation of the right of access to information under Article 35 of the Constitution and the Access to Information Act, 2016.
“In the context of the current situation, the Commission’s role is to examine whether public institutions and officials have discharged their responsibilities lawfully, fairly, transparently and effectively,” the statement said.
The Commission indicated that it may investigate whether failures in enforcing school safety standards, delays in responding to student grievances or lapses in communication contributed to the escalation of unrest in affected schools.
CAJ further expressed concern over reports suggesting that some institutions may not have adequate emergency preparedness and safety measures in place.
The Commission emphasized that school safety is a shared responsibility involving school administrators, Boards of Management, education authorities and other government agencies.
It identified risk assessment, compliance with safety standards, emergency response planning, proper boarding facilities, and accessible student support services as essential components of a safe learning environment.
The Ombudsman also underscored the importance of transparency and timely communication during crises, saying parents, guardians, and learners have a legitimate expectation to receive accurate and reliable information regarding school safety and continuity of learning.
“Public institutions should ensure that communication with stakeholders remains open, transparent, and responsive,” the Commission stated.
As part of its intervention, CAJ announced plans to engage the Ministry of Education, the Teachers Service Commission, Boards of Management, and other stakeholders to review governance and safety frameworks within schools and identify opportunities for institutional improvement.
The Commission also encouraged students, parents, teachers, and members of the public with information relating to maladministration, denial of access to information, governance failures, or safety concerns in schools to submit complaints through its established mechanisms.
The statement comes amid growing national concern over a series of school fires and student protests reported in recent weeks.
Dulo said lasting solutions will require more than disciplinary action, calling for stronger governance structures, improved grievance-resolution systems, enhanced psychosocial support services, meaningful parental involvement, and greater accountability across the education sector.
“The recurring pattern of unrest and destruction of educational facilities calls for collective action by government institutions, school administrators, parents, communities, and learners,” he said.
The Commission maintained that protecting educational institutions is a shared national responsibility and urged all stakeholders to work together to safeguard learning environments, uphold constitutional values, and secure the future of Kenya’s children.
