Parents will bear the cost of repairing and reconstructing school infrastructure destroyed when students go on the rampage, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has said.
The CS also said that schools that closed recently due to disturbances would be expected to make up for the lost learning time. Speaking exclusively to the Nation , Mr Ogamba said parents have a critical role to play in instilling discipline among learners. He added that they ultimately shoulder the financial burden when school property is destroyed.
He warned that destruction of school property would not be tolerated, and that students found responsible will face disciplinary and legal consequences as authorities move to curb rising cases of school unrest.
“The cost of construction, repair, everything is met by their parents 100 per cent. Every time they do something like that, the parents pay. When schools are vandalised or property is destroyed, parents ultimately bear the cost of reconstruction and repairs. That is why parents must continue engaging their children on the importance of protecting school facilities. A few students can make an entire school community suffer, and the financial burden eventually falls on families,” said Mr Ogamba.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
The CS said schools would pursue disciplinary proceedings against students found responsible for setting fires and destroying property, in line with provisions of the law.
“We cannot normalise acts of arson and destruction in schools. The law is clear, and disciplinary procedures will be followed. Students found responsible will face the consequences of their actions because accountability must be upheld,” he said.
According to the Ministry of Education, 330 schools across the country have experienced unrest since April 27, resulting in the destruction of dormitories, classrooms and other facilities. The unrest also disrupted learning.
Mr Ogamba rejected claims that the government was shifting responsibility to parents, saying all stakeholders have a role to play in ensuring safety and discipline in schools.
“We are not shifting blame. We are only saying let everybody take responsibility for the mandate they have been given,” he said.
“The student has a responsibility to be disciplined. The parents have a responsibility to talk to them. The teachers have a responsibility to ensure issues raised are dealt with, while the ministry has a responsibility to ensure safety regulations are complied with.”
The CS reassured parents that any academic time lost as a result of school closures and periods of unrest will not be forfeited. He emphasised that the education system is structured in a way that allows for flexibility, and that schools will be required to adjust their academic calendars and teaching programmes to ensure all required content is covered.
“Lost learning time is recoverable. Schools and teachers have mechanisms to adjust programmes and ensure that learners catch up without compromising the quality of education. The curriculum must be completed,” he said.
“Following the Hillside Endarasha tragedy, decisive action was taken. Boarding sections in 348 schools were closed and institutions were given conditions they had to meet before reopening. Those that complied were allowed to resume operations, while those that failed to meet the standards remained closed,” he said.
Fire razes down classrooms at Kisumu Boys High School in a past incident.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Mr Ogamba rejected claims that no corrective measures were taken after the incident; saying enforcement actions had already reshaped safety standards in affected schools.
“It would be inaccurate to suggest that no action was taken after Endarasha. Significant interventions were implemented, and we continue to strengthen safety measures because safeguarding learners remains our priority,” he said.
“Under the current framework, schools must meet set safety standards before reopening, with institutions such as Utumishi Senior Girls School among those required to undergo inspections and upgrades before being cleared.”
“For students who were injured and may not immediately return to class, including those recovering from fractures, we are exploring alternative arrangements such as virtual and online learning to ensure they do not fall behind academically,” he said.
