KUPPET Push for Boarding School Ban to Curb Student Unrest.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Narok Branch has intensified calls for the abolition of boarding schools, citing it as a viable solution to the increasing incidents of student violence.
According to Branch Chair Newton Koech, this move could help reduce cases of fires and unrest, particularly prevalent during the third term.
Koech expressed concerns that many fire incidents reported in schools could have been avoided if the government had heeded earlier warnings from the union.
He emphasized the need for immediate action to phase out boarding schools, reiterating that prior advisory from KNUT had highlighted the risks of continuing with the current system.
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“The government should expedite the phasing out of boarding schools. Some fire incidents reported in schools could be averted had the government considered an earlier advisory from the union,” he said.
The union’s survey concluded that children are generally safer at home than in boarding schools, where they face a higher risk of unrest.
Causes of Unrest: Depression Among Students
A key factor identified in the rising unrest is student depression, according to Koech. He pointed out that being with their parents would help alleviate the mental strain students face.
The survey also revealed that children experience less stress at home, implying that parental presence is critical for their emotional well-being.
This suggestion further supports the union’s stance that phasing out boarding schools would help address the root causes of student unrest.
Proposals for Educational Improvement
In addition to advocating for the elimination of boarding schools, the union is pushing for the introduction of feeding programs in all schools.
KNUT believes that education should be accessible to all children, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds, and that proper nutrition is key to ensuring equal learning opportunities.
Investigation into Third-Term Unrest
Meanwhile, Keiyo North MP Adams Kipsanai raised concerns over the pattern of increased unrest during the third term.
ALSO READ; KNUT Raises Concerns Over School Capitation Fund Delays
He urged for thorough investigations to determine the causes of these incidents, noting that such disruptions negatively affect exam preparations.
Kipsanai emphasized that finding the root cause and implementing preventative measures is crucial to safeguarding students and their academic progress.
KNUT Push for Boarding School Ban to Curb Student Unrest
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