Upper Hill School sends learners home amid unrest

Zilper Ochieng

Parents of Upper Hill School students were on Thursday night advised to collect their children following emerging unrest at the institution. In a communication sent to parents and guardians, the school administration said the move was a precautionary step aimed at safeguarding students. The notice cited rising tension within the school, alongside similar incidents being reported in other institutions across the country.

The management noted that while the situation was still developing, early release of learners was necessary to ensure their safety and well-being. The incident at Upper Hill School is part of a broader trend, with several secondary schools temporarily shutting down due to unrest. Alliance High School, for instance, was closed indefinitely after a group of students was arrested in connection with an attempted arson incident that destroyed a store.

Similarly, Loreto High School in Limuru suspended learning following disruptions, while Lenana School also sent students home after experiencing disturbances. St George’s Girls Secondary School took similar action, releasing students after concerns were raised about unrest in nearby schools, with many learners expressing unease about staying on campus.

Despite the growing number of affected institutions, the Ministry of Education has dismissed the possibility of a nationwide early closure or an unscheduled midterm break. Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok emphasized that the situation remains largely under control, noting that the vast majority of schools are operating normally. He stated that only a small fraction of institutions have experienced challenges, and the government is focused on addressing issues in those specific schools without disrupting learning across the country.

As authorities work to contain the unrest, parents, teachers, and education stakeholders continue to call for calm and sustainable solutions to ensure stability in schools.

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