No Early School Closure As Government Intensifies School Safety Audit
Education Updated: 04 June 2026 14:31 EAT
Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok
Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has dismissed speculation that schools could be closed early following a recent wave of student unrest and fire incidents reported in several learning institutions across the country. Speaking during a prize-giving ceremony at Kenya High School on Thursday, Bitok assured parents, teachers and learners that the education calendar remains unchanged and that learning is continuing normally in the overwhelming majority of schools nationwide. He emphasized that the incidents reported so far are isolated cases that do not justify a nationwide disruption of learning.
The PS said the Ministry of Education has activated a series of interventions aimed at maintaining stability in schools while ensuring the safety of learners. He noted that the government is working closely with education officials, school administrators and security agencies to address emerging challenges before they escalate into major disruptions. According to Bitok, the focus remains on protecting instructional time and ensuring students complete the term as scheduled.
His remarks come against the backdrop of rising concern over student unrest, dormitory fires, strikes and destruction of school property that have been reported in different parts of the country in recent weeks. Several institutions have experienced disturbances linked to student grievances, prompting emergency consultations between the Ministry of Education and school heads. The incidents have raised fresh questions about student welfare, discipline and safety standards within learning institutions.
To address the situation, the Ministry has launched a nationwide safety audit targeting boarding schools across the country. The inspections began this week and are expected to assess compliance with safety regulations, including the availability of emergency exits, firefighting equipment, electrical safety systems and dormitory conditions. The exercise follows growing concerns over student safety after a series of fire incidents in schools.
Bitok stated that education officers have been instructed to conduct thorough inspections and submit recommendations aimed at strengthening safety standards in schools. The nationwide audit is expected to identify weaknesses in existing safety systems and provide a framework for corrective action. The government says the inspections will help ensure schools provide secure learning environments for students.
The Principal Secretary has also directed principals and education officials to adopt proactive approaches in managing learners and preventing unrest. During recent engagements with school heads and regional education officers, he stressed the importance of identifying early warning signs and addressing student concerns before they develop into larger crises that could interrupt learning.
Education officials have attributed many recent cases of unrest to weak communication channels between students and school administrations, limited learner involvement in decision-making, harsh disciplinary measures and pressure associated with examinations. Other factors cited include poor living conditions, peer influence, drug and substance abuse, social media influence and inadequate guidance and counselling services.
Bitok has urged school managers to strengthen communication systems involving students, teachers, parents and administrators. He argued that open dialogue can help resolve grievances early and create a sense of trust between learners and school leadership. The ministry believes that improved communication is one of the most effective ways of reducing tensions within schools.
The PS further called on schools to adopt learner-centred management approaches that give students a greater voice in matters affecting their welfare. He said involving learners in decision-making processes encourages responsibility, strengthens a sense of belonging and reduces the likelihood of unrest. School leaders were advised to create environments where students feel heard and respected.
On discipline, Bitok warned against punitive methods that could worsen tensions between students and school administrations. He emphasized that disciplinary measures should be fair, supportive and corrective rather than harsh or confrontational. According to the ministry, a positive school environment is critical to maintaining order and promoting academic success.
The Ministry of Education has also directed schools to strengthen guidance and counselling departments and expand psychosocial support programmes. Officials believe many students are struggling with academic, social and emotional pressures that require professional support. Enhanced counselling services are expected to play a key role in preventing unrest and improving student wellbeing.
Even as investigations continue into recent incidents, Bitok reiterated that there are no plans to alter the school calendar or send learners home early. He maintained that the government's response will focus on preventive measures, safety inspections and improved student engagement rather than nationwide closures, expressing confidence that schools will remain operational and learning uninterrupted throughout the term.
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FELIX MAKONA
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