Senator Cheruiyot Calls for Return of Corporal Punishment in Schools
Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot has asked the government to reconsider its ban on corporal punishment in schools saying it has created a culture of indiscipline among learners.
Speaking on Tuesday, September 30, the senator said restoring the practice could help address the growing number of strikes, unrest and destruction of property in schools across the country.
“We must have a bigger conversation as a country. Where did this policy that banned corporal punishment in schools come from? The Bible says, ‘spare the rod, spoil the child’” Cheruiyot said, noting that stricter disciplinary measures are needed to restore respect for authority.
The senator defended past disciplinary approaches, saying many successful people today are a product of firm guidance. “We were caned in school and that is why we are who we are today. Teachers did not kill us; they disciplined us and taught us respect. Since the ban, we’ve seen strikes and indiscipline taking root in our institutions” he added.
His remarks come after a series of violent incidents in schools that have raised national concern.
Just a week ago, Litein Boys High School in Kericho County was closed indefinitely after students went on a destructive strike. The rioting learners damaged key facilities including the principal’s office, laboratories and several windows after clashing with staff over being denied permission to watch a Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City.
The chaos prompted an emergency meeting on Monday, September 22 where education officials and the school’s Board of Management assessed the damage and discussed the way forward.
A day later, students at Tengecha Boys High School in Bureti also staged a violent protest, setting a dormitory ablaze on Tuesday, September 23. The unrest began at around 9 PM and spread quickly before locals and police officers intervened to put out the fire and restore calm.
Videos and images from the scene showed flames engulfing a dormitory as residents and security officers battled to contain the destruction.
Cheruiyot’s call for the reinstatement of corporal punishment has once again brought to the fore the long running debate on student discipline with critics and supporters expected to weigh in on whether harsher measures are the solution to the growing unrest in schools.
Also Read: NACADA Issues Strict New Rule Affecting Alcohol Across Kenya
Senator Cheruiyot Calls for Return of Corporal Punishment in Schools