MPs on Thursday hinted at the possible return of cane in schools as the National Assembly's Committee on Education launched an inquiry into the rising cases of student unrest across the country.
The committee, chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, said it will undertake a comprehensive investigation into the causes of recurring unrest in learning institutions and recommend measures to restore discipline.
Speaking during a committee session, lawmakers expressed concern over the growing trend of school unrest, arson attacks and indiscipline, arguing that existing disciplinary mechanisms may not be adequate to address the crisis.
Some members suggested that the country may need to revisit past disciplinary approaches, including corporal punishment, which was outlawed years ago.
Magarini MP Harrison Kombe said the country must review the ‘excessive’ rights accorded to learners and reinstate some measures like caning which worked ion enforcing discipline among students.
“Should our children have rights and privileges? Because the right that a child cannot be caned has spoilt our children,” Kombe said.
“The cane was really working for our children, some things has to be done.”
The lawmaker also blamed the current crisis on overborrowing from the Western world and abandoning disciplinary measures that works locally.
“We are going with the world, but as far as I am concerned, they are killing Africa,” he said.
Kenya officially banned caning and corporal punishment in schools in 2001 to align with international human rights standards and protect children from systemic abuse, violence and trauma.
The practice was outlawed through a Gazette notice by the Ministry of Education and the enactment of the Children’s Act, followed by broader constitutional protections
Melly, weighing on the matter, said there is urgent need to restore the social fabric, a situation he noted has fuelled the unrest.
“Kenya completely has lost the social fabric, as teachers or former teachers, we know well that children learn from seeing than instructions,” Melly said.
The lawmaker said the society has not helped in setting good examples to the learners.
“If you want them to burn more then continue burning tyres on our roads, police station – they copy from us.”
The chairman spoke when he announced the committee will start an inquiry into the root causes of unrest in learning institutions.
The inquiry comes in the wake of the tragic fire at Utumishi Academy that claimed the lives of 16 learners.
The incident was followed by heightened tension in several schools, forcing authorities to close some institutions as a precautionary measure.
Melly said the committee intends to summon officials from the Ministry of Education, the National Police Service and the Teachers Service Commission to shed light on the root causes of the unrest and propose lasting solutions.
"We want to understand what is driving these incidents and what interventions are required to protect learners, teachers and school property," he said.
The committee will also embark on public hearings across various counties where it will engage parents, teachers, student leaders, religious leaders and education stakeholders.
The consultations are expected to gather views on discipline, mental health, the impact of technology, parental responsibility and the effectiveness of current education policies.
School unrest has become a recurring challenge, with some institutions recording cases of arson, destruction of property and clashes between students and school administrations.
Education stakeholders are expected to present views on the proposal to reintroduce caning as a way of enforcing discipline.
While some argue that stricter disciplinary measures are necessary to restore order, others maintain that modern approaches focusing on counselling, mentorship and parental involvement offer more sustainable solutions.
The committee's findings are expected to shape policy reforms aimed at addressing discipline challenges in schools and preventing further tragedies.
Its final report will be tabled before the National Assembly for consideration and possible legislative action.
