Oburu Odinga Calls for Return of the Cane in Schools as Debate Over Student Discipline Reignites
Senior Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Odinga has sparked fresh debate over student discipline after calling for the reintroduction of corporal punishment in Kenyan schools, arguing that teachers have been left without an effective means of dealing with serious cases of indiscipline.
Speaking during an education event in Alego-Usonga, Siaya County, Oburu questioned how teachers are expected to maintain order following the ban on caning, particularly amid recurring incidents of school unrest and dormitory fires witnessed in recent years.
“I do not know how you people in the teaching profession are able to instill discipline in your schools without the power of the cane. I do not know how you people manage, but I hope that one day those who removed the power of the cane will rethink the decision and reintroduce it,” Oburu said.
The veteran politician suggested that some acts of student misconduct require firmer disciplinary measures than those currently available under Kenyan law.
“I do not understand how you deal with a student who burns the dormitory,” he remarked, referring to the wave of school fires that has periodically disrupted learning across the country.
‘That is how discipline was maintained’
Reflecting on his own school experience, Oburu recalled that corporal punishment was once considered an essential part of maintaining discipline before students faced expulsion.
“During our time, if the teacher wanted to expel you from school, they would first discipline you. He would tell you to lie down, give you a few strokes of the cane and then tell you that you are not fit to be in our school—go home,” he said.
Despite advocating for the return of caning, Oburu praised teachers for their continued commitment to educating young people despite the challenges they face.
“I hope this noble profession is going to continue to educate our people because education is the game changer in the whole world. Education takes you up to any level you want to go, and there is no age limit for education,” he added.
Remarks revive long-running national debate
Oburu’s comments are likely to reignite a long-running national conversation over discipline in schools, particularly after repeated cases of student unrest, arson attacks on school property and violent protests that have prompted some leaders to call for tougher disciplinary measures.
Supporters of stricter discipline argue that teachers have lost authority in classrooms since corporal punishment was outlawed. However, child rights advocates and education experts maintain that physical punishment violates children’s rights and can have lasting psychological effects.
Corporal punishment remains illegal
Kenyan law continues to prohibit corporal punishment in all learning institutions.
The Constitution, the Basic Education Act, 2013, and the Children Act, 2022, all outlaw physical and psychological punishment of learners, classifying such practices as cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.
The Children Act, 2022, also removed the common law defence that previously allowed “reasonable punishment” of children.
Teachers who administer corporal punishment risk disciplinary action by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), including dismissal, and may also face criminal prosecution, fines or imprisonment.
Although Kenya formally outlawed caning in schools in 2001, reports over the years have suggested that the practice still occurs in some institutions despite the legal ban.
The Ministry of Education continues to advocate positive discipline strategies, including guidance and counselling, restorative justice, behavioural interventions, positive reinforcement and supervised community service within schools as alternatives to physical punishment.
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