“Bring Back the Cane” — MPs Make Fresh Call in Parliament.
Members of the National Assembly have renewed calls for an urgent review of policies governing school discipline, learner safety, and regulatory compliance following recurring cases of school fires reported across the country.
The matter was raised through a statement sought in the National Assembly by West Mugirango Member of Parliament Steve Mogaka, who requested a comprehensive explanation on school fires, the state of preparedness by relevant regulatory authorities, and compliance with existing safety standards intended to prevent similar incidents in learning institutions.
During deliberations, Members of Parliament examined the effectiveness of the current school discipline framework, implementation of safety regulations, and the respective responsibilities of key stakeholders involved in the management of schools.
Several legislators expressed concern over what they described as a decline in discipline among learners, arguing that parental responsibility in guiding and mentoring children has diminished, leaving teachers to shoulder responsibilities extending beyond classroom instruction.
Deputy Speaker of the Kenya National Assembly and woman representative for Uasin Gishu County stated that learners involved in serious acts of school arson should undergo professional psychological assessment to establish the factors that may have contributed to such conduct.
It was observed that the involvement of young students in destructive incidents raises concerns requiring further examination through appropriate professional and institutional mechanisms.
Members also questioned whether inadequate parental guidance and responsibility had contributed to the increasing cases of indiscipline witnessed in schools. During the debate, legislators referred to publicly circulated footage from recent incidents, describing the conduct exhibited by some learners as deeply concerning and requiring coordinated intervention by all stakeholders.
The issue of corporal punishment also featured prominently during the discussions. Some Members argued that the abolition of corporal punishment coincided with increasing cases of indiscipline in schools and proposed that the policy prohibiting caning should be reviewed. They maintained that corporal punishment had previously contributed to maintaining discipline among learners.
Other legislators, however, expressed reservations regarding the reintroduction of corporal punishment, noting that the priority should be the enforcement of appropriate disciplinary measures and clear consequences for learners found responsible for serious offences, including the destruction of school property through arson.
Members emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the responsibilities assigned to every stakeholder within the education sector.
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It was proposed that the roles of the Ministry of Education, parents, students, teachers, school management, and other relevant institutions should be clearly defined, documented, and supported by an effective enforcement mechanism to ensure accountability.
The National Assembly discussions focused on strengthening school discipline frameworks, improving compliance with existing safety regulations, enhancing preparedness by regulatory authorities, and establishing coordinated responsibilities among education stakeholders as part of efforts to prevent future school fire incidents.
“Bring Back the Cane” — MPs Make Fresh Call in Parliament.
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