Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced a series of measures aimed at addressing the growing cases of unrest and indiscipline in schools across Kenya.
The announcement comes amid increasing concern over a wave of student disturbances reported in various learning institutions, some of which have resulted in destruction of property, disruptions to learning, and heightened anxiety among parents and educators.
Speaking at Jogoo House on Wednesday, June 10, Ogamba said the government is taking the issue seriously and is committed to finding lasting solutions to restore discipline and stability in schools.
Government Forms Special Committee
As part of the new measures, the Ministry of Education will establish a multi-stakeholder committee tasked with investigating the root causes of student unrest and recommending sustainable interventions.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the team will bring together key stakeholders from across the education sector, including education experts, school administrators, parents, and other relevant groups.
The committee will examine factors contributing to school disturbances and propose practical solutions aimed at preventing future incidents.
“We shall be forming a multi-stakeholder team to look into the issues and causes of unrest and make recommendations on strategies for containing this challenge,” Ogamba announced.
The move signals the government’s intention to take a comprehensive approach rather than relying solely on disciplinary measures.
Changes to the School Calendar
In a separate announcement, Ogamba revealed that the Ministry of Education will review and adjust the school calendar beginning next academic year.
The planned changes are intended to create a more balanced academic schedule by ensuring that learning weeks are distributed more evenly across all school terms.
The CS noted that the current calendar has disparities that may affect learning outcomes and student well-being.
“Starting next academic year, the Ministry shall rationalise the school calendar to ensure balanced terms across the school year,” he said.
Education stakeholders have previously raised concerns about variations in term lengths, arguing that they can place uneven academic pressure on learners and teachers.
The proposed reforms are expected to improve consistency in learning and help schools better manage academic programs throughout the year.
Principals Urged to Address Grievances Early
Ogamba also called on school principals, head teachers, and administrators to take a proactive role in addressing student concerns before they escalate into major conflicts.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication between school management and learners, noting that many incidents of unrest can be avoided when grievances are handled promptly and effectively.
The Cabinet Secretary urged students to use established channels to communicate their concerns instead of engaging in destructive behaviour.
According to him, schools must create environments where learners feel heard and where issues can be resolved through dialogue.
Warning Against Violence and Destruction
While acknowledging that students may sometimes have legitimate complaints, Ogamba issued a stern warning against acts of violence, arson, and vandalism.
He stressed that no grievance can justify actions that endanger lives or result in the destruction of school property.
The CS warned that individuals found responsible for criminal activities in schools would face the full force of the law.
His remarks come at a time when several schools have reported incidents involving fires, property damage, and disruptions that have forced temporary closures and interrupted learning.
Rising Concern Over School Unrest
The recent increase in cases of student unrest has sparked national concern among parents, teachers, and policymakers.
Education experts have pointed to a range of possible contributing factors, including academic pressure, mental health challenges, communication gaps between students and school management, and broader social influences.
The government’s decision to establish a special committee suggests a recognition that the issue requires a deeper examination and long-term solutions.
By bringing together different stakeholders, authorities hope to identify the underlying causes and develop effective strategies that promote discipline while protecting students’ welfare.
Looking Ahead
The formation of the multi-stakeholder committee and the planned review of the school calendar mark significant steps in the government’s efforts to address school unrest.
Education stakeholders will now be watching closely to see the committee’s findings and the specific recommendations that emerge from its work.
For parents, teachers, and students, the hope is that the new measures will help create safer, more stable learning environments and reduce the frequency of disturbances that disrupt education.
As investigations begin, the Ministry of Education has made it clear that while student concerns deserve attention, acts of violence and destruction will not be tolerated.