Why schools are shaken by wave of unrest

Kaplong girls. [Courtesy] Long-simmering tensions are boiling over in Kenya's secondary schools, with students staging protests, setting fire to facilities, and walking out over grievances they say have been ignored for too long. From allegations of sexual abuse and exam pressure to corruption and harsh disciplinary measures, learners across the country say they are tired of being silenced. With just one week remaining in the second term, numerous schools are facing disruptions due to student unrest. National Parents Association chairman Silas Obuhatsa has called for urgent intervention to address the crisis. "The government cannot wait for more schools to burn. We need urgent reforms, counselling, and clear grievance-resolution initiatives before we lose a generation to frustration and fire," said Obuhatsa. Moi Tea Girls Secondary School in Kericho was closed indefinitely after students set a classroom ablaze. Other institutions recently affected by unrest include Tambach High School in Elgeyo Marakwet, Kaplong Girls in Bomet and Mbale High School in Vihiga. In Lari sub-county, 10 schools have shut down in just one week. These include Lari Boys, Kijabe Boys, Kijabe Girls, Nyamweru Secondary, Magina Mixed, Utugi Secondary, and Bathi Secondary. "The situation is alarming. We are seeing student protests coordinated in real time across schools, sometimes with no stated reason other than a desire to go home. It suggests deeper, systemic issues," said Lari Sub-county Education Director Patrick Mwangi. Lari Boys was closed indefinitely after students allegedly set school buildings on fire following a dispute involving musical instruments. However, education officials believe the incident reflects broader frustrations related to pressure from national exams, dissatisfaction with school meals, and mental health challenges. "We are not just burning buildings. We're burning down the walls that have kept our complaints unheard for years," said a Form Three student of Lari Boys who did not want to be named. At Mbale Boys, students torched a dormitory in protest at what they described as "harsh treatment by teachers." Despite having paid Sh12,000 in damages following a previous protest, parents reported that their children were sent home again just a week later. Sabatia MP Clement Sloya, an alumnus of the school, voiced concern over the challenges facing students and called for reforms. "The infrastructure we built with our sweat is being destroyed because schools lack systems to address student issues early. We need grievance-resolution boards in every school," said Sloya. At Kaplong Girls in Bomet, students staged a protest over allegations of sexual harassment by a male teacher. According to staff, complaints had gone unaddressed for weeks until unrest broke out, resulting in property damage and injuries during a stampede. A similar complaint was raised at Alliance High School, where alumni have spoken out about the silent struggles faced by students. At Ngara Girls in Nairobi, parents and students recently made allegations ranging from sexual abuse and corruption to environmental hazards. A show-cause letter seen by The Standard accuses a teacher of emotional abuse and tribal profiling. A 2023 report by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) warned that students in boarding schools often feel isolated, overwhelmed, and unheard. Coupled with inadequate counselling and rigid discipline, this creates a volatile learning environment. Research by Dr Isaac Muasya of the University of Nairobi found that many protests in schools are rooted in psychological distress, repressive policies, and poor infrastructure.

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