Secondary school principals have distanced themselves from a surge in arson attacks and student unrest that has rocked learning institutions across the country since April, leaving at least 18 learners dead and hundreds of schools disrupted.
Speaking ahead of the 49th Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) Annual National Delegates Conference in Mombasa, school heads said it was unfair to place the blame squarely on school leadership for the escalating crisis.
Their remarks come amid mounting concern from the Ministry of Education, which has linked the disturbances to failures in institutional leadership and warned school heads to take greater responsibility for learner welfare, discipline and safety.
KESSHA national chairman Willie Kuria acknowledged that the second term of 2026 had been particularly difficult for school administrators, describing it as one of the most challenging periods in recent years due to widespread unrest.
“This term, we have experienced several cases of unrest in schools and, definitely, this is one of the key issues we shall discuss at the conference,” Mr Kuria said. “We will share experiences from different parts of the country on what happened and explore the way forward. It has been a very challenging period for school heads.”
The conference, which brings together about 9,000 principals from across the country, is expected to deliberate on the causes of unrest, prevention strategies and broader education reforms, including the transition to Competency-Based Education (CBE).
Since April 27, the Ministry of Education has recorded 330 cases of school unrest nationwide, including 95 fire incidents and 34 attempted arson attacks. Officials say the wave of disturbances has raised urgent questions about safety, discipline and leadership in schools.
The government has further confirmed that 18 learners have died in related incidents, deepening national concern over the safety of students in boarding institutions. According to Basic Education Director General Elyas Abdi, 185 of the recorded cases involved student agitations that did not result in serious damage or injuries. However, he said the number of fire-related incidents remained worrying.
State Department for Basic Education Director-General Elyas Abdi during the 2025 Kenya Primary School Heads Association Annual Delegates Conference in Mombasa on November 11, 2025.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
“I am sorry to report that we have had 95 fire incidents. Out of these, 18 resulted in fatalities,” Dr Abdi said. “In addition to the 16 deaths at Utumishi Academy, we have lost two boys in Eastern Kenya and another in Western Kenya.”
The ministry has maintained that some of the unrest is linked to weaknesses in school administration, warning that failure by principals to enforce discipline and provide adequate psychosocial support may be contributing to the crisis.
But KESSHA officials have pushed back, arguing that the situation is more complex and cannot be attributed solely to school leadership. Mr Kuria urged caution in assigning blame, saying investigations into the incidents were still ongoing and should guide conclusions on responsibility.
“Whenever such incidents occur, investigations are conducted. We are waiting to hear from the relevant authorities and education officials on their findings regarding those responsible for the arson attacks,” he said.
He also suggested structural changes in school placement policy, proposing that learners who consistently struggle to adapt to boarding school environments be transferred to day schools under closer parental supervision.
“There are learners who are not comfortable in boarding schools,” Mr Kuria said. “Such learners should be allowed to join day schools where they can be closely monitored by their parents. Boarding schools require a high level of responsibility and discipline. Those who are unable to cope with boarding regulations can continue their education as day scholars.”
The proposal is expected to spark debate during the week-long conference, which is being held under the theme “Strong Schools and Collaborative Leadership for Promoting Competency-Based Education (CBE).”
The event comes at a time when schools are also grappling with funding shortages, delays in learning materials for senior school learners under the CBE system, and growing concerns over learner welfare.
Conference organisers say discussions will focus on strengthening school leadership, improving governance structures and enhancing collaboration among education stakeholders to support implementation of reforms.
“We want to strengthen school leadership, foster collaboration among education stakeholders and ensure the successful implementation of CBE,” Mr Kuria said. “This conference remains the premier forum that brings together principals from secondary schools across the country.”
Education reforms, school financing, mental health and the transition to senior school under CBE are expected to dominate the agenda.
Today’s sessions are set to feature Acting Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Prof John Okumu, who will address delegates on leadership challenges in a changing education environment and the need to adapt to competency-based training.
Digital transformation in education will also be discussed, with Raspberry Pi Foundation Africa Partnerships and Ecosystems Lead Wariara Waireri-Adigún expected to lead a session on teacher collaboration and leadership in the digital age.
School financing is expected to attract significant attention, with Mr Kuria presenting on the rising cost of education, while President’s Council of Economic Advisors Chairman David Ndii will examine sustainable financing models and the balance between access, equity and quality.
Mental health and learner wellbeing will form another key pillar of discussions. Dr Njoki Fernandes is expected to address the management of learner mental wellness, while World Bank consultant Dr Joan Ngunnzi will speak on leadership and wellbeing during periods of rapid education reform.
Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Ogamba addresses participants during the 3rd KNEC Symposium in Nairobi on May 4, 2026.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba will deliver a keynote address on strengthening the implementation of reforms, while Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa will moderate an open forum bringing together senior ministry officials to respond to concerns raised by school heads.
Other areas of focus include the transition from senior school to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), policy alignment, teacher management and school governance reforms.
The conference will be officially opened by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei and closed by Education Cabinet Secretary Ogamba, alongside Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir and other senior officials in the Ministry of Education.
