Nine Secondary Schools in Meru County closed following a Series of Student Riots
Nine secondary schools in Meru County have been closed following a series of student riots that resulted in three dormitories being set on fire and other facilities being vandalized over the past week.
The unrest has disrupted educational activities and caused significant damage to property.
The riots, which began a week ago, have impacted several leading schools, including Burieruri Boys’, Ntunene Girls’, Miathene Boys’, Abothuguchi Boys’, and Nturuba and Kiangua secondary schools.
The protests have not been confined to Meru County alone; they have also affected three schools in the neighboring Tharaka Nithi County.
In Isiolo County, tensions have escalated, with the board of management leading parents in barricading a principal’s office to oppose the posting of a new teacher.
Reasons Behind the Riots
Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma identified several factors contributing to the student unrest.
He attributed the riots partly to exam anxiety and the interference of locals who oppose the transfer of headteachers.
Ouma explained that some riots were triggered by students’ dissatisfaction with the quality of food provided.
He expressed concern over individuals with vested interests who incite students to protest, emphasizing that such actions would not be tolerated.
To prevent further property damage, security committees in various sub-counties recommended the closure of affected schools.
Commissioner Ouma stated that security agencies are investigating the arson and vandalism incidents, with plans to charge those responsible in court.
In Tharaka Nithi, County Commissioner David Gitonga convened a stakeholders’ meeting to address the growing student unrest, noting the potential role of social media in inciting students.
Call for Preventive Measures
Kenneth Muthomi, the chairman of the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) in Tharaka Nithi, highlighted the need to prevent further riots due to the substantial losses incurred.
County Director of Education Bridget Wambua urged school heads to increase counseling and dialogue with students as a preventive measure against riots.
In Isiolo, leadership conflicts have intensified, with the board of management, led by chairman Mohamed Boru, taking drastic measures to prevent the installation of a new school principal.
Boru reported that the board locked the principal’s office, warning that anyone attempting to open it would face consequences.
The board contends that the new principal, deployed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), is a non-performer and insists that the TSC violated an agreement to allow the deputy principal to assume the role.
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Boru also advised the TSC to consider diversity in leadership appointments, recommending that the deputy and principal should not both be Muslim or from the same tribe.
He praised the outgoing principal and the management for their efforts in improving the school’s performance after years of decline, emphasizing the need for careful consideration in leadership appointments to maintain progress.
Nine Secondary Schools in Meru County closed following a Series of Student Riots
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