Kenya’s Education Cabinet Secretary, Migos Ogamba, has dismissed calls for an early mid-term break, insisting that schools will remain open until the scheduled holiday later this month despite growing concern over student unrest and a series of school fires.
Speaking on Tuesday, CS Ogamba said learners would proceed on their second-term mid-term break from June 24 to June 28, in line with the official academic calendar. The announcement comes at a time when several schools have reported incidents of unrest, raising fresh questions about student welfare and safety.
Rather than altering the calendar, the government is placing responsibility on schools and families to address the underlying issues affecting learners.
“During the mid-term break, parents and guardians are urged to use this time to spend with their children and provide guidance and support,” Ogamba said. “Any grievances or concerns should be articulated appropriately and shared with schools and other relevant authorities for action.”
The issue has gained urgency following recent incidents in schools, including a deadly fire at Utumishi Girls that claimed the lives of 16 students and left several others injured. The tragedy has renewed debate about student wellbeing, school safety standards and the effectiveness of existing support systems.
In response, the Education Ministry has directed schools across the country to hold urgent consultations with parents and guardians. The meetings are expected to focus on learner welfare, emerging concerns and measures that can help prevent further unrest.
“Schools shall urgently convene consultative parent association meetings to review the state of affairs and learners’ welfare in their respective schools,” Ogamba said.
The ministry has also instructed school administrators to strengthen safety measures, improve channels through which students can raise complaints and expand guidance and counselling programmes.
Officials believe many disputes can be resolved before they escalate if learners are given opportunities to express concerns and receive support. Schools have therefore been asked to address any grievances raised by students before the half-term break begins.
County and sub-county education officers have meanwhile been directed to carry out targeted safety inspections, particularly in institutions considered vulnerable to unrest or security risks.
Beyond the immediate challenges, the government is signalling broader changes to the academic calendar. Ogamba said the ministry plans to review the structure of school terms from next year, with a view to creating a more balanced schedule.
“Starting next academic year, the ministry shall rationalise the school calendar to ensure that the terms are balanced and that the second term is not as long as it has been,” he said.
The announcement is likely to be welcomed by parents seeking stability in the school system, even as concerns remain over the factors driving unrest in learning institutions. For now, the ministry’s message is clear: schools will remain open, and efforts will focus on dialogue, safety and stronger support for learners rather than an early closure.
As the mid-term break approaches, education officials hope closer cooperation between schools, parents and students will help ease tensions and restore confidence in the learning environment.
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