Government rolls out strict measures to curb rising school unrest nationwide

The Ministry of Education has unveiled new measures aimed at tightening supervision in schools as cases of unrest continue to be reported in several counties, leading to fires, strikes and closure of learning institutions.

The worst incident was recorded at Utumishi Girls Senior School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where an arson attack claimed 16 lives and left dozens of students injured.

Parents of the girls who died will wait longer before receiving the bodies, even after identifying them, after being informed that burials will only take place after a joint memorial mass planned for June 17.

To prevent such a tragedy, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has directed schools to increase the number of teachers on duty, especially during evening preps and in dormitories, while improving communication between administrators and learners.

Schools are also required to tighten supervision of learners, emergency Board of Management meetings and deployment of additional inspectors in a bid to contain the situation that has already led to deadly incidents, injuries and widespread disruption of learning.

“We have held meetings with field officers who have in turn met principals to strengthen school supervision,” Ogamba told the Sunday Nation.

He added that school heads must stick to official operating hours and reaffirmed the ban on joint and mock examinations. He further said the government has intensified monitoring.

“Senior school principals should call BoM meetings to address risks of unrest. County Education Boards are on standby and under instruction to provide leadership and guidance,” he said.

County Education Boards have also been tasked with supporting schools as the ministry works with security teams and administrators to prevent further unrest and protect property.

The ministry is also planning to strengthen inspection systems through the hiring of more Quality Assurance and Standards Officers.

“We will increase the number of Quality Assurance and Standards Officers by 1,000. We have already recruited 342. This will complement the 600 officers already at work,” Ogamba said.

He added that a multi-agency approach is being used, involving regional commissioners, county commissioners and other administrators working with school heads.

He also dismissed claims that the school calendar could be changed.

“The calendar will be implemented as it is, as we do not want to interfere with teaching and learning,” he said.

By yesterday, several schools across the country had already sent learners home following fire incidents and rising tension.

Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said about 80 schools out of roughly 9,500 countrywide have experienced unrest.

“More than 99 per cent of schools are operating normally. We cannot disrupt the academic calendar because of a small number of affected schools,” Bitok said.

He added that the ministry has increased the number of quality assurance officers from 600 to 1,000, with plans to reach 2,000 within a year, and confirmed that the department will be renamed the Inspectorate of Schools.

“The inspectors will oversee curriculum, school facilities, guidance and counselling, student leadership structures and other aspects of education,” he said.

At least 15 schools across Trans Nzoia, Nakuru, Bomet, Kericho, Narok, Kisii and Nyamira have been closed or sent home in the past week due to unrest, fires and strikes.