Schools ordered to have up-to-date records, vet resource persons to avert radicalisation

By Joylene Sing'oei

Kenya: The Ministry of Education  has asked all school managements countrywide to be alert on any actvities that can lead to radicalisation of students in learning institutions.

The Ministry said section of stakeholders had expressed cocerns that there could be increased radicalisation of youths in educational institutions especially in primary and secondary schools.

“Principals and Headteachers through Boards Management and the whole school community should be alert to any actvities in the schools that could contribute to radicalisation and eventually ruin the future of students. It must be noted that radicalisation in schools poses a security threat to the country”, part of the statement signed by Ag. Education Secretary Kiragu wa Magochi read.

The ministry also laid down measures to be followed by school managements to avert threats. Schools should have an up-to-date records of all children admitted and those who transfer to or out of the schools. When a pupil is transfered, the head teacher must obtain a written report from the school they are transfering from, stating clearly the reasons for the transfer.

They are also required to vet resource persons and contents of the reports forwaded to relevant officers in the Education ministry.

When students are going out for schools’ programmed activities, they should be accompanied by a teacher. During opening or visiting says, schools administrations should supervise activities and a  register for all visitors kept.

Other requirements include guidance and counselling for students and also all teachers must be registered by TSC.

The measures comes at a time when the country is facing terror threats. Kenya has suffered several terror attacks after  it sent its troops to Somalia to hunt down Al shabaab.

Currently, there is an ongoing police operation in Nairobi’s Eastleigh Estate to weed out illegal immigrants. On Wednesday morning, Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku said 82 somali nationals had been deported to Somalia. Police say the operation in Eastleigh will be extended to other parts of the country.