The Ministry of Education has confirmed that the second-term school calendar will remain unchanged, even as incidents of unrest continue to be reported in some learning institutions across the country. Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the disruptions have been limited, affecting only a small fraction of schools. He noted that about 204 senior schools have experienced unrest, while the vast majority, approximately 98 percent, continue to operate normally.
Ogamba reassured the public that learning in primary and junior schools has remained stable, with no major interruptions reported. He emphasized that apart from challenges in a number of boarding secondary schools, the education system is largely functioning as expected. The ministry has therefore opted to stick to the approved academic calendar, with the mid-term break scheduled to take place from June 24 to June 28, 2026.
According to the CS, the unrest in schools has been attributed to a combination of factors. These include leadership issues within institutions, pressure related to examinations, poor living conditions in boarding sections, substance abuse, demanding school routines, and the influence of peer behavior. Calls had been growing for the government to revise the school calendar and allow students to break earlier, especially following a series of unrest incidents that led to the destruction of property in several schools.
The situation took a tragic turn on May 28, 2026, when a fire at Utumishi Girls Academy Senior School in Gilgil claimed the lives of 16 students and left dozens injured. Authorities have since taken legal action, with several students suspected of involvement in the incident arraigned in court and detained as investigations continue. Ogamba warned that acts of indiscipline and criminal behavior in schools will be dealt with decisively. He urged school administrators to act promptly in addressing emerging concerns to ensure the safety and well-being of learners.
To better understand and tackle the issue, the ministry will establish a multi-sectoral team tasked with reviewing the root causes of unrest and recommending long-term solutions. Parents have also been called upon to play their role during the upcoming mid-term break by guiding and mentoring their children, helping instill discipline and responsible behavior.
