Basic Education PS Julius Bitok has ruled out closing of schools early for the second term mid-break due to unrest that has rocked several secondary schools across the country.
Instead, the PS said the Ministry will undertake an inspection of schools’ facilities to enforce compliance with safety standards and encourage dialogue between teachers and students to diffuse tensions and avert potential strikes.
He said data from the Ministry indicated only about one per cent of schools had been affected by the latest unrest, while learning in the majority of the institutions remains unaffected. There was therefore no justification to break for the midterm earlier than the official date, 24th to 28th June.
What is the extent of school unrest in Kenya?
“We have no plans for unscheduled closure of schools. Learning is continuing normally in 99 per cent of our schools, while only around 0.8 per cent of our schools have issues. Our focus is on addressing the challenges in the few affected institutions while ensuring that all learners continue with their education without disruption,” the PS said.
Bitok, who was speaking during the Kenya High School, Nairobi prize-giving day, acknowledged that some schools were grappling with tensions linked to examinations and urged principals to embrace flexibility in managing students’ anxieties.
“We are not saying students should not do exams, especially the county-based mocks. What we are saying is that if students express anxieties or say they’re not ready, there is no point in forcing them. You’d rather postpone the tests than have a burnt-down institution,” he said.
The PS also challenged teachers and school administrators to adapt modern and flexible management styles, saying today’s learners were highly enlightened and sensitive about rights and freedoms.
How to address unrest in schools
He also urged schools to strengthen student leadership structures, guidance and counselling programmes, mentorship initiatives, as well as mental health and psychosocial support services.
“Dialogue must always take precedence over destruction. We encourage learners to use the existing channels of engagement within their schools and work closely with teachers and school management in resolving any concerns,” he said.
To support the ongoing inspection of schools’ safety standards that is being undertaken in ten days, the PS revealed that 400 quality assurance officers have been recruited and posted to raise the number to 1,000 officers across the country.
“We want every learner to study in a safe, secure and supportive environment. The ongoing safety audit will help us strengthen preparedness, improve institutional response mechanisms and enhance the welfare of learners across all institutions,” he noted.
