A remarkable wave of student unrest unfolded in Uasin Gishu County on Tuesday night, as students from Cheplaskei Secondary School took part in a dramatic 20-kilometer march to the County Commissioner’s office. The protest, which started around 2 a.m. on Wednesday, aimed to draw attention to the school’s alleged mismanagement, particularly concerning inadequate teaching staff and poor administration.
The students embarked on the trek under the cover of darkness, walking through the night to express their grievances. They voiced concerns over the quality of education they were receiving and the overall management of the institution, issues that they felt had gone unaddressed for a considerable period.
Deputy County Commissioner Lilian Lagat confirmed receiving reports of the unusual protest and immediately coordinated with local security teams. “We were alerted that students were marching toward the Uasin Gishu County Commissioner’s office. Our security teams were promptly deployed to ensure their safety,” Lagat stated in a press briefing.
The protest caught the attention of both local authorities and education officials, who acted swiftly to resolve the situation. According to Uasin Gishu County Education Director John Thiringi, the students remained peaceful during the protest, with no incidents of violence or property damage. “We have already engaged with the students and assured them that their concerns will be addressed. They have since agreed to return to school,” Thiringi explained. Further discussions are expected to take place with all stakeholders involved in order to find solutions to the highlighted issues.
Thiringi also commended both the students and the security officers for their roles during the protest. “We appreciate our security teams for their prompt action in ensuring the students’ safety and commend the learners for maintaining order while voicing their concerns,” he said. “We are committed to resolving the issues raised by the students.”
Despite the challenging 20-kilometer journey, the students’ demonstration reflected a growing frustration over the state of their educational environment. Their peaceful protest serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing student concerns and ensuring that educational institutions are effectively managed to meet the needs of all learners.
The authorities have assured the students that action will be taken to address their grievances, signaling a renewed focus on improving the learning experience at Cheplaskei Secondary School. The situation continues to develop, with more discussions expected in the coming days to resolve the matter amicably.
