The Ministry of Education has ruled out an early second-term midterm break despite a recent wave of unrest reported in secondary schools nationwide.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the government has no plans to alter the school calendar, maintaining that learning is continuing normally in the vast majority of institutions.
The official midterm break remains scheduled for June 24 to June 28.
Speaking during a prize-giving ceremony at The Kenya High School in Nairobi, Bitok said the ministry's focus is on addressing challenges in affected schools while ensuring learning continues elsewhere.
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"We have no plans for an unscheduled closure of schools," Bitok said.
According to the ministry, only a small fraction of schools have experienced disruptions, with officials insisting that most institutions remain stable.
Growing Concern Over Student Unrest
The announcement comes amid growing concern over a series of unrest incidents reported in schools across several counties.
Among the institutions that have recently made headlines are Alliance High School, Lenana School, Loreto Girls Limuru and Nairobi School. In some cases, students reportedly protested over school management issues, examinations, welfare concerns and other grievances, leading to property damage and temporary disruptions to learning.
Reports indicate that some schools have sent learners home as authorities investigate the incidents.
The unrest has emerged just days after the tragic dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, which claimed the lives of 16 students and left dozens injured. Investigators have since arrested several students in connection with the suspected arson attack.
"The safety and well-being of our learners remain non-negotiable."
Safety Audit Underway
The exercise will assess dormitory conditions, emergency preparedness systems, infrastructure and compliance with safety regulations. The government has also increased the number of Quality Assurance Officers involved in school inspections.
Education stakeholders have linked some of the unrest cases to examination pressure, communication gaps between students and administrators, and concerns over student welfare.
The ministry says it will strengthen guidance and counselling programmes while encouraging schools to embrace dialogue as the primary tool for resolving disputes.
