Government Forms Task Force to End School Unrest

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has announced a multi-stakeholder task force to investigate school unrest and recommend long-term solutions to violence in learning institutions.

Ogamba made the announcement on Friday during the closing ceremony of the 49th KCB/KESSHA Annual National Conference at Sheikh Zayed Hall in Mombasa.

The conference, themed Strong Schools and Collaborative Leadership for Promoting Competency-Based Education, brought together thousands of school principals from across Kenya.

“The recent wave of unrest reminds us that strong schools are built on the quality of relationships that exist within the school community,” Ogamba said.

School Unrest Task Force Kenya: What the Team Will Do

The task force will bring together stakeholders from across the education sector. Its mandate will cover a comprehensive review of all factors driving student unrest.

Ogamba said investigations over the years have shown that unrest rarely stems from a single issue.

Instead, it typically results from a combination of poor communication between school management and learners, perceptions of unfair disciplinary processes, and policies seen as punitive or inconsistently applied.

However, the CS was firm that no grievance justifies violence.

“If we do not find long-term solutions to these challenges, the massive investments that the government makes in the education sector will come to waste,” he said.

In addition, Ogamba called on principals to build school cultures grounded in trust, inclusion, fairness, and effective communication.

He said strong leadership extends beyond enforcing rules.

Record Education Budget and 100,000 Teachers Hired

Meanwhile, the CS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving learning conditions.

He said the education sector received a record allocation of Sh784.5 billion in the coming financial year.

Furthermore, the government has employed 100,000 teachers since 2023, constructed more than 23,000 classrooms, and secured funding for 1,600 science laboratories to support the STEM pathway under the Competency-Based Education system.

Ogamba said schools now receive capitation funding before opening to facilitate smooth operations as the government works toward approved funding levels.

CBE Transition: Ogamba Urges Career Guidance for Learners

As the Competency-Based Education system enters the senior school phase, Ogamba urged school heads to strengthen career guidance programmes.

He said learners need structured support to make informed decisions about pathways and future careers.

The CS also called on schools to reinforce guidance and counselling services.

He cited mental health, social media influence, substance abuse, peer pressure, and family instability as emerging challenges requiring urgent attention.

He closed by urging principals to continue partnering with parents, teachers, and communities to support the successful implementation of education reforms across the country.