All secondary schools in Murang’a County that had suspended learning and sent students home following recent unrest and tensions have been directed to resume classes and ensure learners report back by Monday, June 15.
The directive was issued following a high-level meeting of education stakeholders held on Wednesday, bringing together the County Director of Education, sub-county education directors, senior schools head teachers and members of the
County Security Committee led by County Commissioner (CC) Hassan Bule.
Speaking after the meeting, County Director of Education Philip Wambua said the county had experienced a wave ofunrest during the second term, forcing several schools to close temporarily.
According to Wambua, a total of 60 secondary schools sent learners home due to student unrest or rising tensions within learning institutions. Of these, 24 are boarding schools while the remaining are day secondary schools.
He noted that some of the affected schools had already resumed learning, while those that had not reopened were instructed to recall students and resume normal academic activities no later than Monday.
“The decision reached by stakeholders is that all schools that closed due to unrest should reopen and continue with learning. Those who have not yet resumed should ensure students report back by Monday,” said Wambua.
The meeting, held at a hotel in Murang’a town, also resolved that school management boards and administrators must strictly adhere to the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya to enhance learner welfare and prevent future disturbances.
Wambua observed that overcrowding in some institutions had emerged as a concern, particularly after schools admitted more Grade 10 learners than their available facilities could comfortably accommodate.
He directed affected schools to invest in additional infrastructure, including classrooms, dormitories and sanitary facilities, to match the growing student population.
“Some schools admitted excess learners this year, putting pressure on existing facilities. Schools must plan adequately and expand infrastructure to ensure a conducive learning environment,” he added.
The Director further announced that beginning next year, boarding senior schools will only be allowed to admit Grade 10 learners, based on their capacity in terms of classrooms, accommodation, sanitation facilities and other essential resources.
He also emphasized the need for schools to fully comply with the Basic Education Regulations of 2015, particularly on matters relating to school routines, discipline and student welfare.
On his part, the CC urged head teachers to remain vigilant and act promptly whenever signs of unrest emerge within schools.
Bule said the County Security Committee would roll out mentorship programmes in schools to help learners make informed decisions and embrace responsible behaviour.
He cautioned school administrators against being manipulated by students seeking to disrupt learning, urging them to remain firm, while maintaining open communication channels.
The CC also called for renewed efforts to instill national values and moral responsibility among learners, saying discipline should be a shared responsibility between schools, parents and the wider community.
“Parents need to be at the frontline in guiding and mentoring their children. This responsibility cannot be left to teachers only,” Bule said.
The reopening directive comes amid growing concern over cases of student unrest reported in different parts of the country in recent months.
Education officials in Murang’a expressed optimism that the measures agreed upon during the stakeholders’ meeting would help restore stability in schools and ensure uninterrupted learning for thousands of students across the county.
By Bernard Munyao
