Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said Thursday that learning in majority of institutions has remained uninterrupted, hence no need to move up the dates.
Speaking during a prize-giving ceremony at The Kenya High School, Prof Bitok dismissed calls for schools to break early for the midterm break as “a few isolated incidents are being addressed”.
“From our records, less than one percent of schools have experienced unrest. The rest are continuing with learning normally, so there is no justification for closing schools early,” said Prof Bitok.
He reaffirmed that schools will proceed with the academic calendar as planned and break for midterm from Wednesday, June 24 to Sunday, June 28.
“Schools will continue learning until the scheduled midterm period. We are urging principals to be alert to early warning signs, as most of the unrest is linked to exams. We have encouraged teachers and school administrators to engage learners through dialogue,” he added.
“In some cases, rather than forcing students to sit examinations, schools can consider postponing them. We have also intensified audits, dialogue and consultations to address the situation and ensure learning continues uninterrupted.”
His remarks come amid growing concern among parents over a series of school fire incidents across the country. The anxiety was heightened on Thursday when another fire broke out at Alliance High School, prompting police to arrest 10 students amid investigations.
No casualties were reported from the blaze, although officials were still assessing the extent of the damage by press time.
"As parents, we are worried about the safety of our children. After what happened at Utumishi Academy and now Alliance High School, I believe schools should close for the midterm break immediately to allow authorities to inspect dormitories and strengthen safety measures before students return," said Mary Gathoni, a parent.
Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Deputy Secretary-General Moses Nthurima.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Deputy Secretary-General Moses Nthurima reckons that the recent incidents of unrest should not be viewed in isolation, as they reflect growing tensions across the country.
"What students are doing is a reflection of society. When you look at what is happening on the streets, people are burning tyres, looting buildings and engaging in violence. The tension in the country is simply finding its way into our schools," he said.
He urged the Ministry of Education to reconsider its decision not to close schools early, saying the situation in learning institutions appears to be deteriorating.
"I believe schools need to be closed for the midterm break so that we can absorb the tension building within the student population. It has happened before, and I do not think we should wait for more casualties among our children," he said.
According to him, sending learners home temporarily would help ease pressure and reduce the risk of further incidents. He also argued that school principals are ill-equipped to deal with criminal behaviour and growing insecurity in schools.
