Upper Hill School sends students home as wave of unrest spreads
The recent wave of unrest has raised concern among stakeholders, even as authorities insist that the situation remains contained to a small number of.
The entrance to Upper Hill School. (Photo: Handout)
Upper Hill School has sent students home following reports of unrest and signs of restlessness within the institution, adding to a growing number of schools affected by student disturbances across the country.
In a notice to parents and guardians on Thursday night, June 4, the school administration directed them to pick up their children immediately, citing safety concerns. The decision, the school said, was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the well-being of students amid emerging tensions within the institution.
“Due to the unrest currently being experienced in some schools across the country and signs of restlessness within our school, parents/guardians are advised to pick up their sons from school today as a precautionary measure to ensure their safety and well-being,” the notice read.
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“We regret any inconvenience caused and appreciate your cooperation.”
The development at Upper Hill comes amid a wider trend of unrest in several secondary schools, leading to temporary closures and disruptions to learning in different parts of the country.
Alliance High School was recently closed indefinitely after ten students were apprehended over an attempted arson attack that destroyed a store within the institution. In another case, Loreto High School in Limuru was also closed following unrest that disrupted normal learning activities, while Lenana School sent students home after experiencing disturbances.
St George’s Girls Secondary School also released students following reports of unrest in neighbouring schools, with the administration noting that a majority of learners expressed discomfort remaining in school under the prevailing situation.
Despite the disruptions in a number of institutions, the Ministry of Education has ruled out a nationwide closure or early mid-term break. Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said learning remains ongoing in most schools across the country.
“We have no plans for an unscheduled closure of schools. Learning is continuing normally in 99 per cent of our schools, while only around 0.8 per cent have experienced challenges,” he said, adding that the government is addressing isolated incidents while ensuring continuity of learning.
The recent wave of unrest has raised concern among stakeholders, even as authorities insist that the situation remains contained to a small number of affected schools.