No Early Midterm Break Amid School Unrest, Says Kenya Education Ministry

Kenya's Ministry of Education has ruled out an early midterm break for schools, despite a growing wave of student unrest across the country. Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok assured that learning remains largely uninterrupted, with only a few isolated incidents requiring attention.

Bitok indicated that the ministry is addressing the unrest through dialogue with students and a nationwide audit of school safety standards. His comments come a week after a fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil claimed the lives of 16 students and injured 79 others. Nine students have been arrested in connection with the arson, reportedly due to grievances over examination schedules and mandatory event contributions.

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learning remains uninterrupted in most parts of the country, with only a few isolated incidents that are being addressed.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba previously criticized Utumishi Girls Academy for failing to comply with safety regulations, citing dormitory congestion and a locked exit door. This incident adds to a list of schools, including Alliance High School, Loreto High School, Limuru, and Lenana School, that have been closed due to student unrest. Common complaints cited include issues with food, living conditions, and academic pressure. In Makueni County, five schools were indefinitely closed after students set fire to dormitories and school facilities.

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The school did not adhere to the safety requirements stipulated in the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations. In particular, there was congestion in the dormitory, and one exit door was locked, contrary to prescribed safety standards.