Kenya’s top security officials are expected to meet today Monday as concern grows over a surge in unrest in secondary schools, a trend that has disrupted learning, damaged property and prompted questions about the state of the country’s education system.
The meeting, convened under the National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC), comes after more than 100 schools across the country suspended learning following incidents of student unrest. Officials are expected to assess the situation and recommend measures to contain the growing crisis.
Authorities say police officers have been instructed to closely monitor all reported cases and submit regular updates to headquarters. Officers have also been directed to respond swiftly to incidents and advise school administrators on immediate steps, including whether institutions should be temporarily closed.
The latest disruption was reported at Sunshine High School along Lang’ata Road in Nairobi, where parents and guardians were asked to collect students on Monday morning after unrest broke out overnight.
Security officials reported at least ten separate incidents on Sunday night alone.
The developments have fuelled debate within government circles over whether schools should be sent on an early half-term break rather than waiting until the end of the month as scheduled. Kenya has roughly 9,000 secondary schools, and officials note that while the number affected remains relatively small, the pace of incidents has become a growing concern.
So far, authorities have not identified a single cause behind the disturbances. The unrest has been building steadily over the past month, with students citing a range of grievances.
The issue gained national attention following a deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, last week. Sixteen students died after a dormitory was set ablaze, allegedly by fellow students. Several others were injured, and property worth millions of shillings was destroyed.
Police later arrested nine suspects in connection with the tragedy.
The incident shocked the country and intensified scrutiny of student welfare, discipline and conditions in schools.
The NSAC meeting will be chaired by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei and is expected to bring together senior government and security officials tasked with advising on the country’s response.
The unrest has also sparked a political debate over the state of education reforms.
Speaking in Meru County on Sunday, Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Fred Matiang’i argued that challenges surrounding the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) required greater government attention and dedicated leadership.
“The government should also appoint a Principal Secretary in charge of curriculum reforms and transition because CBC is a major national programme,” Matiang’i said. “We must listen to education stakeholders, principals and church leaders as we implement these reforms.”
The former Interior and Education Cabinet Secretary also criticised delays in school funding, saying institutions needed timely capitation payments to function effectively.
“Stop the wastage and channel more resources to schools so that principals have the funds they need to run institutions effectively,” he said.
Government officials, however, have offered a different assessment. Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has largely attributed the disturbances to cases of indiscipline among students.
The contrasting views reflect a broader national conversation about whether the unrest stems from discipline issues alone or deeper challenges facing schools, including funding pressures, curriculum changes and student welfare concerns.
For thousands of parents, teachers and learners, the immediate concern remains safety. Monday’s meeting is expected to provide the clearest indication yet of how the government intends to respond to one of the most significant waves of school unrest Kenya has experienced in recent years.
About the Author
