Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has issued a detailed statement addressing the recent wave of unrest reported in schools across Kenya, assuring parents, learners, and stakeholders that the government is taking decisive measures to restore order and ensure the safety of students.
In a statement released on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the Ministry of Education acknowledged that the country has witnessed a series of unrest incidents in recent weeks, particularly in boarding senior schools. The incidents have resulted in loss of lives, injuries, destruction of school infrastructure, and disruptions to learning activities in affected institutions.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that while the situation is concerning, the majority of schools across the country remain stable and continue to operate normally.
Tragic Losses and Government Condemnation
Ogamba expressed grief over the devastating fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil Sub-County, Nakuru County, which claimed the lives of 16 learners. He revealed that investigations had established that the fire was an act of arson allegedly orchestrated by some students.
According to the Ministry, nine suspects have already been arraigned in court and remain in custody as investigations continue.
The CS extended condolences to families that lost their loved ones and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
He stressed that regardless of the grievances students may have, there can never be justification for violence, destruction of property, or actions that result in loss of life.
“The Government is taking the matter of unrest and general indiscipline in schools with utmost seriousness. Any grievances must only be addressed through appropriate channels without resorting to unlawful actions or violence,” the statement said.
Ogamba further warned that all individuals found responsible for unlawful acts would face the full force of the law.
Majority of Schools Remain Stable
Despite the recent incidents, the Ministry noted that the unrest has affected only a small percentage of schools nationwide.
According to preliminary reviews conducted by the Ministry, less than two percent of Kenya’s senior schools have experienced unrest. This means that more than 98 percent of schools remain stable and continue with normal learning activities.
The Cabinet Secretary indicated that most of the affected institutions are boarding senior schools, while day senior schools have largely remained unaffected.
The Ministry has so far received reports of unrest affecting 204 senior schools across the country. However, learners in 59 of those institutions have already resumed studies, with more schools expected to return to normal operations in the coming days.
Ogamba also reassured the public that learners in Grades 1 to 9 have continued with their studies without significant interruption, indicating that the broader basic education system remains stable.
Factors Driving School Unrest
The Ministry identified several factors believed to be contributing to the recent cases of unrest.
Among the key causes cited are leadership challenges within institutions, learner anxiety, examination-related stress, poor school conditions, especially in boarding sections, alcohol and drug abuse, demanding school routines, peer influence, and copycat behavior.
The statement also highlighted growing demands by some learners for early release from school as a contributing factor.
In light of these concerns, the Ministry reminded school administrators of their responsibility to address emerging challenges promptly and ensure student welfare and safety.
“Heads of Institution are reminded that it is their statutory and moral duty to ensure that any challenges are addressed in good time and that the safety and security of learners are guaranteed,” the statement noted.
The Cabinet Secretary also commended the majority of learners for remaining disciplined and focused on their studies despite the challenges.
Parents, teachers, and school administrators were equally praised for their efforts in maintaining stability in schools.
Government Announces Measures to Address the Crisis
Following consultations within government and with education stakeholders, the Ministry announced several interventions aimed at tackling the root causes of school unrest.
One of the major decisions is the formation of a multi-stakeholder team that will review the causes of unrest and recommend long-term strategies to address the recurring challenge.
The Ministry also confirmed that the second-term mid-term break for the 2026 academic year will proceed as scheduled from June 24 to June 28, 2026.
Parents and guardians have been encouraged to use the break period to spend quality time with their children, offer guidance, and discuss any concerns they may have.
Schools have been directed to urgently convene Parents Association meetings to assess learner welfare and review the prevailing situation in their institutions.
Additionally, schools have been instructed to strengthen safety measures, improve grievance-handling mechanisms, and intensify guidance and counseling programs.
County and Sub-County Education Offices will also conduct targeted safety assessments, audits, and monitoring of institutions considered to be at risk.
In another significant move, Ogamba announced that beginning next academic year, the Ministry will rationalize the school calendar to ensure a more balanced distribution of terms throughout the year.
Shared Responsibility in Safeguarding Learners
The Education CS emphasized that addressing school unrest requires collective action from all stakeholders, including government agencies, parents, guardians, teachers, school leaders, policymakers, and learners themselves.
He called for national reflection on the future of Kenya’s children and the need to nurture responsible, law-abiding citizens.
“It is our duty—a sacrosanct one—to nurture our children in the values and virtues that will grow them into law-abiding and responsible citizens who will contribute meaningfully to the development, and not the destruction, of our great Republic,” Ogamba said.
The Ministry pledged to continue providing updates as efforts to address the situation and restore calm in schools progress.
