The Ministry of Education has announced plans to rationalise the school calendar from next year as part of measures aimed at addressing rising cases of student unrest across the country.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the changes will ensure school terms are more balanced throughout the academic year, noting that the current second term is significantly longer than the others.
“Starting next academic year, the Ministry shall rationalise the school calendar to ensure balanced terms across the school year,” Ogamba said in a statement on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
The announcement comes as the ministry revealed that 204 secondary schools have experienced student unrest in recent months, prompting the government to roll out a series of interventions to improve discipline, safety and learning conditions.
According to Ogamba, learning has already resumed in many of the affected institutions.
“We have so far received reports of unrest affecting 204 senior schools across the country. Already, learners in 59 of these schools have since returned and resumed their studies, with more continuing to return,” he said.
Despite the incidents, the CS noted that the disruption remains limited compared to the total number of schools nationwide.
“From our analysis of reports across the country, less than two per cent of the country’s senior schools have been affected by unrest, meaning that over 98 per cent of schools remain stable and continue normal operations,” he said.
Ogamba added that most of the affected institutions are boarding schools, while day schools have largely remained unaffected.
The ministry said preliminary assessments point to several factors contributing to student unrest, including leadership challenges in schools, examination-related anxiety, poor boarding conditions, alcohol and drug abuse, strenuous school routines, peer influence and copycat behaviour.
“Learner anxiety and examination-related stress, poor school conditions, especially in boarding sections, alcohol and drug abuse, strenuous school routines, peer influence and copycat behaviour are among the factors contributing to the unrest,” Ogamba said.
He reminded school heads of their responsibility to address learners’ concerns promptly and ensure their safety and welfare.
“Heads of institutions are reminded that it is their statutory and moral duty to ensure that any challenges are addressed in good time and that the safety and security of learners are guaranteed,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary strongly condemned acts of violence, destruction of property and behaviour that endangers lives, saying such actions have no place in educational institutions.
Ogamba’s remarks come days after the tragic dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, which claimed the lives of 16 students.
Investigators have linked the fire to suspected arson, while authorities have confirmed that eight students are being questioned as investigations continue.
The Education CS expressed condolences to the affected families and described the tragedy as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by school unrest.
“It is our duty — a sacrosanct one — to nurture our children in the values and virtues that will grow them into law-abiding and responsible citizens who will contribute meaningfully to the development, and not the destruction, of our great Republic,” he said.
To address the recurring problem, the ministry will establish a multi-stakeholder team to investigate the root causes of student unrest and recommend long-term solutions.
“To establish and address underlying causes of this perennial challenge of student unrest, we shall be forming a multi-stakeholder team to review the causes of unrest and make recommendations on strategies for stemming the challenge,” Ogamba said.
Schools have also been directed to strengthen guidance and counselling programmes, improve grievance-handling mechanisms and enhance safety measures.
County and Sub-County Education Offices have been instructed to conduct targeted safety assessments and closely monitor schools identified as being at risk.
The ministry further urged parents and guardians to use the upcoming mid-term break, scheduled for June 24 to June 28, 2026, to spend time with their children and offer guidance and support.
Schools have also been directed to convene Parents Association meetings to discuss learner welfare and institutional challenges.
The announcement comes a day after changes at the Ministry of Education following a government reshuffle, which saw former Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok moved to the Ministry of Tourism, while John Lekakeny Ololtuaa took over the Basic Education docket.
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