St. Mary’s Ukwala High School Shut Down Over Students’ Food Quality Protest.
St. Mary’s Ukwala High School in Siaya County has been closed indefinitely following a student strike sparked by complaints about the poor quality of maize flour used to prepare ugali. The learners accused the school administration of consistently ignoring their pleas about the substandard meals, prompting them to protest.
The unrest saw students break windows of classrooms and offices before marching to Ukwala centre, where they attempted to air their grievances at the local education offices. The protest marked a boiling point in the ongoing standoff between the students and school management regarding food quality.
Siaya County Education Director Leonard Kabaki convened a meeting on Tuesday midmorning, where education stakeholders unanimously agreed to shut down the school as investigations into the incident commenced. The closure aimed to ensure safety for all while allowing authorities to probe the matter further.
A parent interviewed during the incident shared her disappointment after travelling to accompany her son back to school following his absence due to unpaid fees. She said that upon arrival, she was met by students who informed her that the school had been closed and all learners sent home. The mother recounted how the food issue had been raised earlier by her son and other students but went unaddressed.
“My son was home due to fee arrears. I decided to accompany him back to school, only to find out from his fellow students that the school had just been closed. I had to return home with him again,” the parent said in disbelief.
The abrupt closure has left parents concerned about the safety and academic progress of their children. Many worry that prolonged closure may negatively impact the students’ learning continuity and exam preparedness. Meanwhile, students remain uncertain about when learning will resume, with some expressing hope that the administration would finally take their concerns seriously.
A student who participated in the protest revealed that they had repeatedly informed the school authorities about the poor quality of meals but felt unheard. He added that the strike was not just about food but about being constantly dismissed whenever they raised genuine issues.
The St. Mary’s Ukwala incident echoes a similar episode earlier this year, when Nakuru High School was closed indefinitely on February 10. In that case, students went on the rampage over multiple grievances—primarily related to the food situation—resulting in substantial property damage. The six-hour protest saw students destroy the administration block, classrooms, dormitories, and other facilities.
The situation escalated further when the students broke into the dining hall and storage room, took food, and began eating it on the spot. Authorities later intervened to restore order, but the institution was closed to allow for further review of the grievances and damages caused.
Read Also: TSC Union Deductions Backed by Labour Laws, Parliament Rules as KUSNET Petition Fails
While unrest in learning institutions is concerning, the incidents have highlighted the need for school administrations to engage openly with students and address their welfare. In the case of St. Mary’s Ukwala, investigations are expected to uncover the root causes of discontent and pave the way for meaningful reforms.
Education officials remain optimistic that the school will reopen once a resolution is found, and measures are put in place to ensure a better learning environment. Parents and students alike hope that this time, their concerns will lead to tangible changes rather than being brushed aside.
St. Mary’s Ukwala High School Shut Down Over Students’ Food Quality Protest