Kenya temporarily closes schools to counter escalating student unrest
Schools closed in Kenya
Written by: Ayman Ragab
The Kenyan government has announced the closure of schools across the country during the mid-term break from June 24 to 28, in a move aimed at containing growing concerns about the recurrence of student disturbances within educational institutions.
Kenya schools closed
Kenyan Education Minister Julius Ogamba said the Ministry of Education has formed a multi-party team to deal with the escalating riots and disturbances in schools, and to work on strengthening safety and discipline measures within educational institutions.
Ogamba explained that the team will include representatives from the education sector, security agencies, school principals, parents and a number of other stakeholders, with the aim of studying the main reasons behind these disturbances and developing sustainable solutions to address them.
The minister pointed out that student unrest is linked to several factors, including leadership and management problems within schools, psychological stress and anxiety related to exams, poor conditions in some boarding schools, as well as alcohol and drug use, peer influence, and intensive study routines.
Restoring discipline within schools
He stressed that the government is committed to cooperating with all relevant parties to restore discipline within schools, improve the learning environment, and ensure the safety and well-being of students throughout the country.
The decision comes at a time when many Kenyan schools are still experiencing sporadic incidents of unrest, raising concerns among education authorities and parents and prompting the government to take urgent measures to curb this phenomenon.
