The government says learners found responsible for the destruction of school property will face legal action.
The Ministry of Education has issued a stern warning to students involved in arson and vandalism as cases of unrest continue to affect several secondary schools across Kenya.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said learners found responsible for burning dormitories or destroying school property would be held accountable under the law, regardless of their age.
The remarks come amid growing concern over a series of unrest incidents reported in schools during the second term, some of which have resulted in the destruction of property and disruption of learning.
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“Anyone involved in burning school property or endangering the lives of others will be held accountable under the law.We shall come for you and jail you,even if you are a child."
The government has maintained that criminal acts committed in schools will be investigated and prosecuted through the appropriate legal processes.
Focus on safety after deadly dormitory fire.
The government's response follows the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School, which claimed the lives of 16 students and left dozens of others injured.
Investigations into the incident have led to the arrest of several students suspected of involvement in the arson attack. Authorities have indicated that inquiries are ongoing as detectives seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The incident has reignited debate about student discipline, school safety standards and the mechanisms available for addressing grievances within learning institutions.
According to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, preliminary findings showed the school had failed to fully comply with some safety requirements, including concerns over dormitory congestion and emergency exits.
No early mid-term break
Despite calls from some quarters for schools to close early, the Ministry of Education has ruled out an unscheduled mid-term break.
Speaking during a prize-giving ceremony at The Kenya High School in Nairobi, Bitok said learning remains largely uninterrupted across the country and that only a small percentage of schools have experienced unrest. Ministry data indicates that about 0.8 per cent of schools have been affected by recent disturbances.
The PS said the ministry would instead strengthen counselling services, enhance dialogue between students and school administrators, and conduct nationwide safety audits to prevent further incidents.
“We have no plans for an unscheduled closure of schools,” Bitok said while affirming that the academic calendar would remain unchanged.
Examinations under review
In a separate directive aimed at easing tensions in schools, the ministry has instructed principals to suspend examinations that could trigger anxiety or unrest among learners.
Bitok said school leaders should adopt a more flexible approach where students express concerns about examination schedules, arguing that reducing pressure could help prevent confrontations and disruptions.
Several schools, including Alliance High School, Loreto Limuru and others, have faced disruptions linked to student unrest in recent weeks.
As investigations continue into recent incidents, education officials say their priority remains protecting learners, maintaining stability in schools and ensuring that those responsible for criminal acts are brought to justice through due process.
