Arnesen’s High School located in Burnt Forest, Uasin Gishu County has been closed.
This is after students at the boy’s school went on strike on Monday night.
Uasin Gishu County Director of Education Harrison Muriuki told Uasin Gishu News on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, that students had been sent home following the incident.
Muriuki said the school will remain closed for at least a week.
Once the school is reopened, all of the students will be required to be accompanied by a parent.
Parents will also be required to pay damage fees.
“We sent them home and will be back accompanied by their parents after one week. Parents will pay the cost of repair,” the County Director of Education said.
Students went on a rampage on Monday night, hours after they returned to school.
Grievances
They had earlier in the day walked over 40 kilometres to the Ainabkoi Sub County Commissioner’s office in Eldoret town to present their grievances.
Among the issues, the over 500 students were complaining about was the lack of teachers at the school.
“Most subjects have not been taught since we opened. About 10 teachers have transferred from the school, while those who remained have not reported,” a form three student said during a sit-in with the Ainabkoi Sub-County Commissioner Charles Laboso.
Poor sanitation, water and food rationing as well as lack of sufficient medicine at the school dispensary were other issues the students raised.
“We have limited access to water in school and only get it a few times a week. We are left to make difficult decisions on whether to bathe or quench our thirst,” noted one of the students.
“The meals are served in small portions and our stomachs are always empty and we feel we should go back for more food,” added another one.
After presenting their issues, the government and school officials present promised to address them.
Asses damage
The students later agreed to go back to school, only to strike later in the day.
During the incident, property of unknown value was destroyed.
The County Director of Education says damage caused by the students will be assessed on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
“Ministry of works officers will be on the ground tomorrow at 8 to quantify the damage. They damaged the offices, computers, furniture and window panes,” Muriuki said.
