Intensified student disturbances sweep through schools, with stress from exams and financial troubles cited as roots of the latest turmoil.
The past week has seen a surge in unrest in more than 10 secondary schools across Kenya, a situation that began at the start of July. This unrest has resulted in violent strikes, arson attacks, and widespread indiscipline.
Causes of School Unrest
Funding Issues
Schools are grappling with significant financial challenges. Compared to the Sh8,000 per student allocated for the 13-week first term, schools have received only about Sh3,000 for the 14-week second term[2]. This shortfall affects the ability of schools to pay staff, provide adequate meals for students, and support extracurricular activities[2]. The lack of resources confines students to classrooms without opportunities for expression or leisure, leading to built-up frustration and eventual unrest[2].
Examination Pressure
The second term is a critical period for exams, which creates anxiety among students. This pressure contributes to the unrest observed in numerous schools[2]. The intensity of exam pressure is exacerbated by the stress of meeting academic expectations, further straining students.
Other Contributing Factors
Recent exposes of sexual abuse by teachers have led to protests, highlighting a critical need for better protection mechanisms for students[3]. Students express grievances over corruption and harsh disciplinary actions, which they feel are often unfair and ignored[1]. The coordination of protests across schools suggests deeper systemic issues beyond immediate grievances[1].
Misori, the Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), blamed the unrest on delayed government funding. Akello Misori also criticized the scrapping of corporal punishment without replacing it with effective alternatives as a cause of unrest[4]. Dr. Emmanuel Manyasa linked unrest to school mismanagement, abuse, and lack of justice when students' rights are violated[5]. Some students have been sent home indefinitely, while in other cases, dormitories have been burned down.
Call for Reforms
There are calls for urgent governmental intervention to address these issues through reforms, counseling, and grievance resolution mechanisms[1]. Experts and stakeholders advocate for addressing the funding crisis and improving the overall educational environment to mitigate unrest[2]. Dr. Manyasa called for merit-based appointment of school heads, better support systems for students, and closer collaboration with communities[5]. Willie Kuria, a school principal and chair of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA), stated that schools are struggling to stay afloat due to underfunding[6].
Experts agree that unrest peaks in the second term because it is the longest and most intense[7]. Misori criticized political interference and declining respect for authority in society as additional causes of unrest[8]. Manyasa cited drugs and alcohol as growing problems in schools with poor fencing or open access to surrounding communities[5].
The affected schools include Moi Tea Girls, Litein High School, Kipsigis Girls, Keptewit Boys, Lari Boys, Senior Chief Koinange, Nakuru Girls, Tambach South Secondary School, Kapsinendet Secondary School, and Moi Girls Eldoret[9]. It is hoped that these calls for reforms will lead to a more stable and productive learning environment for Kenya's students.
[1] - The Standard [2] - The Star [3] - Nation [4] - The Star [5] - The Standard [6] - The Star [7] - The Standard [8] - The Star [9] - Nation
- The financial challenges faced by schools, such as inadequate funding for the second term, restrict resources and contribute to school unrest.
- Political interference, declining respect for authority, and corruption in the educational system are deemed additional causes of school unrest in Kenya.
- Unrest in secondary schools in Kenya may be due to the second term being the longest and most intense, causing examination pressure and anxiety among students.
- The lack of resources and protection mechanisms, including the scrapping of corporal punishment without effective alternatives, contributes to student grievances and school unrest.
