Following a series of unrest incidents in secondary schools across the country, primary school administrators have urged their counterparts in senior schools to strengthen learner support systems. These systems should include guidance and counselling, mentorship, psychosocial support, open communication and learner participation, in order to prevent emerging concerns from escalating into crises.
In a statement, the Kenya Comprehensive School Heads Association (KECSHA) emphasised the importance of vigilance and proactive leadership in fostering positive school cultures.
Storage facility destroyed by a fire at Alliance High School in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, on June 4, 2026. The incident prompted the indefinite closure of the school as authorities assessed the extent of the damage and investigated the cause of the blaze.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
The association advised senior school administrators to establish early warning systems capable of identifying emerging issues before they spiral into full-blown crises. The association also underscored the ne
The call comes amid growing concern over a wave of unrest in secondary schools, which has disrupted learning, endangered lives, and led to widespread destruction of property.
The association condemned acts of violence, arson, and vandalism witnessed in several institutions, noting that such actions have caused loss of life, injuries, and emotional distress among learners, teachers, and parents.
The nine Utumishi Girls Senior School students suspected of torching their school dormitory killing 16 colleagues before the Naivasha Law Court on June 3, 2026.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
The association joined the nation in mourning the tragic deaths of 16 learners at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, while wishing a speedy recovery to those who were injured.
“As school leaders entrusted with the care, guidance and education of learners, we strongly condemn all acts of violence, arson, vandalism and destruction of school property,” said Fuad Abdalla Ali, the association’s national chairperson.
He stressed that while learners may have genuine grievances, violent protests can never be justified as they endanger lives, interrupt learning, and destroy public investments in education.
The dormitory at Utumishi Girls Senior school that caught fire, killing scores of students while others are nursing serious injuries.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation
The association highlighted the urgent need for stakeholders to strengthen measures that promote discipline, learner welfare, school safety, and peaceful conflict resolution.
The association noted that although most of the recent unrest has occurred in senior schools, the lessons should inform all levels of learning institutions, including primary and junior schools. Instilling values such as responsibility, resilience, and peaceful conflict resolution from an early age, members argued, is critical to shaping learners who can handle challenges constructively.
The association said that parents and guardians are children’s first educators. As such, they should instil in them values of respect, accountability, self-discipline, and peaceful coexistence. Schools should then reinforce these values. The association urged learners to embrace dialogue and use established grievance-handling mechanisms rather than resorting to destructive actions.
The association further appealed to the Ministry of Education, Boards of Management, faith-based organisations, communities, and development partners to strengthen learner welfare systems, mentorship programmes, and school safety frameworks.
The association supported ongoing investigations into the unrest but emphasised that long-term solutions must address underlying issues affecting learners, including psychosocial challenges, substance abuse, negative peer influence, and misuse of social media.
“As a nation, we must reaffirm our collective responsibility to protect our schools as centres of learning, character formation, innovation and hope,” Mr Ali said.
He added that schools must remain safe spaces where learners can thrive academically and socially without fear of violence or disruption.
