Basic Education PS JUlius Bitok holds a virtual meeting with regional directors of education, field officers and senior heads of institutions on May 14, 2026. /MoEHarsh disciplinary practices and poor communication between students and school administrations have been blamed for the rising wave of unrest in learning institutions across the country.
This emerged during an emergency virtual meeting on Thursday chaired by Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok.
The meeting bringing together regional directors of education, field officers and senior heads of institutions was convened to address escalating cases of student unrest that have disrupted learning in several schools countrywide.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of increasing incidents of strikes, dormitory fires, walkouts and destruction of property reported in schools over the past few weeks, raising concern within the Ministry of Education and security agencies.
Some incidents have left students injured while schools suffered losses worth millions of shillings.
During the meeting, regional education directors presented briefs highlighting the main drivers behind the unrest, with school management and student welfare issues emerging prominently.
Among the factors identified were weak communication between students and school administrations, poor student engagement in decision-making and harsh and unfair disciplinary measures.
School administrators also cited academic pressure and examination fatigue, poor living conditions, peer influence, drug and substance abuse, weak guidance and counselling structures, negative social media influence as well as governance and leadership challenges within schools.
Bitok directed schools to adopt proactive and learner-centred approaches in handling student concerns to prevent tensions from escalating into unrest.
The PS noted the second term is traditionally prone to unrest and urged the officers to be more proactive in addressing potential causes of such incidents.
He urged school administrators to strengthen communication channels between students, teachers, parents and administrators to promote openness, trust and timely resolution of grievances.
“We are aware of incidences of unrest in some of our schools which have unfortunately interfered with smooth learning and the closure of some institutions. We must be on the lookout for the triggers to effectively preempt them.”
The PS further encouraged institutions to involve learners more in decision-making processes to cultivate a sense of belonging and shared responsibility within schools.
At the same time, Bitok cautioned against punitive disciplinary practices, saying schools should embrace fair, humane and corrective approaches that promote discipline without fuelling resentment among learners.
“Discipline should be fair, supportive and corrective. Schools must create environments where learners feel heard, respected and supported.”
Schools were also instructed to strengthen guidance and counselling departments to offer psychosocial support and mentorship, especially for students struggling with academic pressure, emotional distress and social challenges.
On student welfare, the PS stressed the need for schools to improve living conditions and create safe, supportive and learner-friendly environments.
He further called for intensified campaigns against drug and substance abuse through sensitisation programmes and preventive interventions targeting learners in affected institutions.
The meeting also discussed the growing influence of social media among students, with education officials urging schools to roll out digital literacy and awareness programmes to guide learners on responsible online behaviour.
School heads were additionally challenged to improve governance, accountability and institutional management practices to ensure transparency, inclusivity and effective leadership.
Prompted by the escalating restlessness in schools, the Ministry of Interior earlier in February announced a crackdown targeting schools located in counties considered hotspots for unrest cases.
The affected counties include Kericho, Nandi, Nakuru, Kitui, Tharaka-Nithi, Kakamega, Narok, Kisii, Nyeri, Nyamira, Kajiado, Migori, Kirinyaga, Trans-Nzoia and Nairobi.
Bitok concluded by calling on all education stakeholders to work together in nurturing disciplined, secure and supportive learning environments that safeguard the well-being and future of learners.
