PS Bitok Cracks Down After Wave of School Fires and Closures Across Kenya
Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has ordered school principals and education directors across the country to tighten communication systems and strengthen early warning mechanisms following a disturbing rise in student unrest that has forced the closure of several schools nationwide.
The emergency directive was issued during a high-level meeting with school heads on Thursday, May 14, amid growing concern within the Ministry of Education over a series of fires, protests, and destructive incidents that have severely disrupted second-term learning in multiple institutions.
The government move comes after several schools reported cases of students allegedly torching dormitories and administrative buildings, with some institutions shutting down indefinitely as investigations continue.
Addressing the principals, Bitok warned that school administrators must act swiftly to identify warning signs of unrest before situations spiral out of control.
“We are aware of incidences of unrest in some of our schools which have unfortunately interfered with smooth learning and the closure of some institutions. We must be on the lookout for the triggers to effectively preempt them,” Bitok stated.
The PS stressed that poor communication and unresolved grievances between students and school management were among the major causes fueling tension within schools.
He directed principals to immediately improve communication channels between learners, teachers, parents, and administrators in an effort to restore trust and encourage timely resolution of disputes.
“Schools must strengthen communication channels between students, teachers, parents, and administrators to promote trust, openness, and timely resolution of concerns,” he directed.
Bitok further cautioned against harsh disciplinary approaches, urging schools to adopt corrective and supportive measures that make learners feel heard rather than alienated.
“Discipline should be fair, supportive, and corrective. Schools must create environments where learners feel heard, respected, and supported,” he added.
The Ministry of Education has also instructed schools to establish stronger early warning systems capable of detecting possible triggers of unrest before they escalate into violence or destruction.
At the same time, Bitok ordered intensified campaigns against drug and substance abuse, which authorities say has increasingly been linked to indiscipline and unrest in learning institutions.
The directives come against the backdrop of a worrying spike in school fires and student protests reported in different parts of the country over the past few months.
On Wednesday, May 13, students at Magerezani Academy allegedly set a dormitory ablaze, prompting the school board to send learners home indefinitely. Police later arrested four students suspected of masterminding the incident as investigations continue.
Just a day earlier, learners at Kaumoni Boys High School allegedly torched several administrative offices in another dramatic incident that shocked residents and education officials.
In April, Mirithu Girls Secondary School was closed indefinitely after a devastating dormitory fire destroyed property, while Matungulu Boys Secondary School suffered a massive blaze in January that razed four dormitories.
Other institutions affected by unrest-related incidents include Dr Agrey School, Njoro Girls Senior School, Kangaru Boys Secondary School, and Chebwagan Boys High School.
The latest incidents have reignited debate over student welfare, discipline methods, mental health support, and growing pressure within Kenya’s education system as authorities race to contain the crisis before more schools are affected.
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