Some 462 learners have been arrested, investigated, arraigned in court or subjected to other disciplinary processes over their alleged involvement in school unrest, including arson, attempted arson and vandalism, in four months up to July 31, 2026.
Data presented to Parliament by the Ministry of Education shows that the Nyanza region recorded the highest number of learners linked to the incidents at 26.2 percent, followed by Eastern at 25.3 percent and Rift Valley at 19.5 percent. No learner was processed in the North Eastern region.
The figures are contained in a report submitted to the National Assembly Education Committee by the State Department for Basic Education following concerns over the rising cases of school fires and student unrest across the country.
"As at July 31, a total of 462 learners had been arrested, investigated, arraigned in court, bonded, remanded, counselled or otherwise processed in connection with student unrest incidents countrywide," Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa told the committee.
Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Combined, Nyanza, Eastern and Rift Valley accounted for 328 learners, translating to about 71 percent of all those processed in connection with unrest-related incidents.
A comparative situation analysis shows that between April 27 and June 6, schools recorded 71 fire incidents, 24 planned arson attacks, 95 cases of student unrest, 14 precautionary school closures and 18 fatalities.
Between June 7 and June 14, another 24 fire incidents, 10 planned arson attacks and 29 cases of student unrest were reported, prompting 63 precautionary school closures.
After the mid-term break, between June 29 and July 31, the situation eased considerably, with 27 fire incidents and only two planned arson attacks reported.
Mr Ololtuaa said investigations into several cases are still ongoing, with some learners having been released on bond or bail, while others were referred for counselling or released after the completion of investigations.
"The arrests have strengthened accountability, facilitated the identification of suspected perpetrators and served as an important deterrent against further acts of arson, vandalism and school unrest," he told the committee chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly.
The report was prepared following a tragic dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy on May 28 that claimed the lives of 16 students.
The incident reignited national concern over school safety and the effectiveness of measures aimed at preventing fires and unrest in learning institutions.
In response, the National Assembly Education Committee launched a comprehensive inquiry into the increasing cases of school fires, destruction of property and student unrest reported in schools across the country.
Mr Melly noted the inquiry would establish the underlying causes of the recurring incidents and recommend measures to restore discipline and enhance safety in schools.
Previous studies, audits and assessments have consistently linked student unrest to examination pressure, strained student-teacher relationships and weak mechanisms for addressing learners' grievances.
Other contributing factors include inadequate guidance and counselling services, overcrowding in schools, poor living conditions in some boarding institutions, and drug and substance abuse.
“Among measures the Ministry has implemented to prevent further escalation of these incidences is strengthening collaboration between school administrations, Board of Management and security agencies,” the PS said.
He noted the Ministry is addressing the recurring unrest, which will require a combination of stronger preventive measures and improved psychosocial support for learners.
