A new TIFA national survey released on September 9, 2026, reveals what public measures Kenyans believe can stop student-started school fires across the country.
Improving dialogue and conflict resolution among students, teachers, and parents emerged as the most favored solution, supported by 36 per cent of respondents.
Strict accountability also ranked high, with 23 per cent advocating for harsher punishment for students who commit such acts. Additionally, 13 per cent proposed eliminating boarding schools altogether.
Resource allocation and mental health support featured as key factors in addressing the issue. Nine per cent of surveyed Kenyans favoured allocating more money for food, activities, equipment, and related needs, while 3 per cent pointed to providing guidance and counselling services.
Other structural measures gathered modest support. Increasing school supervision and security, as well as limiting student numbers per school, were each favoured by 2 per cent of respondents.
Meanwhile, 1 per cent backed reducing academic workload and pressure, another 1 per cent called for increased government and ministry oversight, 1 per cent suggested allowing more rest and school breaks, and 1 per cent voted for providing civic, moral, or spiritual education and support.
An additional 2 per cent of respondents pointed to other measures, while 6 per cent remained undecided or unsure of the best course of action.
