List of things behind the recent school unrest in Kenya
Cases of school unrest have continued to be reported in different parts of the country, prompting concern among parents, teachers, and education stakeholders.
As schools face strikes, walkouts, and cases of arson, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba Migos has outlined several factors that the government believes are contributing to the situation.
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In a statement on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, while addressing the unrest, Ogamba confirmed that it was driven by a combination of academic, social, and administrative challenges facing learners in schools.
“The unrest appears to be driven by a variety of factors, including leadership challenges in institutions, learners’ anxiety and exam-related stress,” Ogamba said.
Below are some of the key issues that have been linked to the recent wave of unrest.
Leadership challenges and examination pressure
The Ministry of Education says leadership gaps in some institutions have contributed to tensions between learners and school administrations.
Where concerns raised by students are not addressed promptly, disagreements can escalate and affect the learning environment.
There is also examination-related stress that has emerged as one of the leading concerns among learners. According to reports, pressure to perform academically, internal assessments, and examination schedules have been cited as some of the triggers behind unrest in some schools.
Education stakeholders have noted that many learners are experiencing increased anxiety as schools intensify preparations for national examinations.
Poor boarding conditions and alcohol and drug abuse
The CS also pointed to poor conditions in some boarding sections as a contributing factor. Challenges related to accommodation and general student welfare have frequently featured in complaints raised by learners in affected schools.
The government has also identified alcohol and substance abuse as another factor fuelling indiscipline among some students. Education officials say the problem continues to affect discipline, behaviour, and decision-making among learners.
Strenuous school routines and peer influence
Demanding school schedules have also been cited as a source of frustration among some students. The Ministry says schools should balance academic expectations with the well-being of learners to reduce unnecessary pressure.
Authorities believe that some incidents have been influenced by copycat behaviour following earlier cases of unrest and school fires reported across the country. Peer pressure linked to previous incidents is among the factors contributing to the spread of unrest in schools.
According to Ogamba, some learners have been demanding to be released from school earlier than scheduled, creating tension in some institutions.The issue has emerged as schools continue to implement the academic calendar despite concerns raised in some quarters.
Background to the unrest
The latest concerns come amid a rise in reported cases of school unrest across the country.
Some schools have experienced strikes, walkouts, fires, and temporary closures in recent weeks. The publication also identified examination pressure, complaints over food quality, poor boarding conditions, overcrowding, disciplinary tensions, and copycat behaviour as some of the issues linked to the unrest.
While the incidents have attracted national attention, the Ministry maintains that the majority of schools remain stable and operational.
The CS has urged school heads to address challenges promptly and prioritise learner safety. “Heads of schools are reminded that it is their statutory and moral responsibility and duty to ensure that any challenges in their institutions are addressed in good time and that the safety and security of our learners are guaranteed,” he said.
