Ministry of Education Reports 330 Cases of School Unrest Since April, 18 Learners Dead.
The Ministry of Education has reported at least 330 cases of school unrest across Kenya since April 27, 2026, including 95 fire incidents and 34 attempted arson attacks, resulting in the deaths of 18 learners.
The figures were disclosed by the Director-General for Basic Education, Dr Elyas Abdi, during the graduation ceremony of more than 700 school managers and teachers who completed Diploma programmes in Education Leadership and Management at the Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI).
According to Dr Abdi, the reported incidents have raised concerns over safety and security in learning institutions across the country. He stated that 95 of the recorded cases involved fires, while 34 were attempted arson attacks. Out of the total 330 incidents, 185 were classified as student agitations that did not result in significant destruction of property or injuries.
“I am sorry to report that we have had 95 fire incidents. Out of these, resulted 18 fatalities. In addition to the 16 deaths at Utumishi Academy, we have lost two boys in Eastern Kenya and another in Western Kenya,” Dr Abdi said.
The Ministry indicated that investigations into the incidents have consistently identified weaknesses in school leadership and management as a contributing factor. Dr Abdi noted that school administrators play a critical role in maintaining order, preventing unrest, and ensuring learner safety.
The Director-General further highlighted the scale of Kenya’s basic education sector, which currently serves approximately six million learners in primary schools, more than three million learners in junior schools, and another three million learners in secondary schools. The sector is supported by 458,000 teachers employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Despite continued investment in educational infrastructure, teacher recruitment, curriculum reforms, and digital learning initiatives, Dr Abdi stated that leadership remains a key determinant of educational outcomes.
“We may invest heavily in infrastructure, recruit teachers, expand digital learning and develop innovative curricula, but these investments can only achieve their intended impact when schools are led by visionary, ethical and competent leaders who inspire excellence, embrace innovation and place learners at the centre of every decision,” he said.
Dr Abdi also emphasized the importance of leadership in the implementation of Competency-Based Education (CBE), describing the reform as one of the most significant transformations in Kenya’s education system.
“In Kenya, the implementation of competency-based education represents one of the most transformative reforms in our education system. However, the success of this reform depends not merely on curriculum redesign but on the quality of leadership exercised within our institutions,” he said.
He added that digital transformation had become a critical component of education management and service delivery.
“Digital transformation is no longer optional. It is an essential enabler of quality education, efficient service delivery and evidence-based decision-making,” Dr Abdi said.
The Open University of Kenya Vice-Chancellor, Prof Elijah Omwenga, who was represented by Prof Raphael Nyonje, commended KEMI for its contribution to strengthening leadership and management capacity within the education sector.
The Teachers Service Commission Acting Chief Executive Officer, Eveleen Mitei, represented by Mr Fredrick Nganga, also acknowledged the role of the programme in improving institutional efficiency and learner outcomes.
“KEMI is assisting TSC in making its work more efficient in the field. The knowledge and skills acquired by teachers strengthen leadership and improve learning outcomes,” Mr Nganga said.
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KEMI Chief Executive Officer Dr Maurice Odundo urged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills acquired through the programme to create safe, inclusive, and adaptable learning environments in schools across the country.
The graduation ceremony brought together education stakeholders and institutional leaders to recognize the completion of leadership and management training programmes aimed at strengthening governance, administration, and service delivery within Kenya’s education sector.
Ministry of Education Reports 330 Cases of School Unrest Since April, 18 Learners Dead.
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