Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has warned that key development priorities in schools are being derailed by increasing unrest, which he said is eroding investments in education and affecting the smooth delivery of learning programmes.
Speaking during the 80th anniversary celebrations of Thika School for the Visually Impaired, Ogamba noted that the incidents are not only disrupting academic programmes but also forcing schools to redirect funds that were meant to improve learning conditions and expand access to education.
“Schools must remain places of learning, character formation and personal growth,” he said.
He also called for teamwork between parents, teachers, religious leaders and government agencies in building discipline and guiding learners towards positive behaviour.
“These incidents remind us, as parents, teachers, the clergy and the Government, that we must train and guide our children with positive values and virtues. Our children must learn that whatever grievances they may have, there is no justification for causing harm to others and destroying property,” the CS said.
Ogamba further warned that repeated vandalism and violence in schools risk reversing gains made in the education sector, saying there is urgency in building safer and more supportive learning spaces.
“It is my hope that these experiences will strengthen our collective resolve to build safer, more caring and more supportive learning environments for every child,” he said.
His remarks come after he recently revealed that 204 schools (representing 2 per cent) have so far been affected, with most cases reported in boarding senior schools.
He noted that the unrest appears to be driven by a variety of factors, including leadership challenges in institutions, learner anxiety and examination-related stress, poor school conditions, especially in boarding sections, alcohol and drug abuse, strenuous school routines, peer influence and copycat behaviour, with learners demanding to be released early from school.
Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has proposed the introduction of mandatory chaplains in all schools as part of education reforms aimed at addressing the rising cases.
In a statement on Saturday, Wetang’ula said there is a need for a legal framework requiring every school in the country to have a chaplain to provide spiritual guidance to learners.
“I urge the government and education stakeholders to ensure that every school has a chaplain to provide spiritual guidance to learners,” Wetang’ula said.
“I noted that chaplains play a critical role in instilling moral values, discipline and responsible behaviour among students. Through regular engagement with the Word of God and mentorship, our children can grow into upright and responsible citizens who respect life, property and the rule of law.”
Wetang’ula also raised concern over rising cases of student misconduct, including arson attacks that have damaged property and in some cases led to loss of lives.
“Such unfortunate incidents, I said, underscore the need for stronger moral and spiritual guidance in our learning institutions,” he said.
“I therefore called for a legal framework that would require every school to have a chaplain to support students in their spiritual, moral and personal development, helping them navigate the challenges of growing up and become productive members of society.”
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment, reply, and like comments.
Continue with Google