Recent unrest in secondary schools within Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Isiolo counties has raised significant concerns among education stakeholders. Over the past week, nine secondary schools in Meru have experienced closures due to a series of riots. This wave of unrest has resulted in the destruction of three dormitories and the vandalism of other school facilities.
Schools Affected
The affected schools in Meru include notable institutions such as Burieruri Boys, Ntunene Girls, Miathene Boys, Abothuguchi Boys, Nturuba, and Kiangua secondary schools. In the neighboring Tharaka Nithi County, three schools have also been impacted by the riots. Meanwhile, in Isiolo County, tensions have risen following a protest led by the Board of Management (BoM) against the posting of a new teacher, resulting in the barricading of the principal’s office.
Causes of Unrest
Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma attributes the student riots to multiple factors, including exam pressure and local resistance to the transfer of headteachers. “In the last one week, several schools have been closed after students went on the rampage. Security committees in various sub-counties recommended the closure of the schools to avert further loss of property. Three dormitories were burnt down in different schools during the riots,” Ouma stated.
He further mentioned that some riots were instigated by complaints regarding the quality of food provided to students. “I want to warn and condemn individuals with vested interests to keep off our learning institutions. They create an impression that some teachers cannot be transferred, and when this happens, they incite students to riot. We will not allow anyone to continue with fishy business in our schools,” the county commissioner emphasized.
Investigation and Response
Security agencies are currently investigating the incidents of arson and vandalism, with intentions to charge anyone found responsible for the attacks. In Tharaka Nithi, County Commissioner David Gitonga has initiated a stakeholders meeting to address the increasing cases of student unrest. “We have met education and security officers to look for ways of taming the riots after three schools were affected. We suspect that social media is being used to incite students,” Gitonga commented.
Kenneth Muthomi, the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) chairman in Tharaka Nithi, stressed the importance of preventing such riots due to the substantial losses incurred. County Director of Education Bridget Wambua recommended that school heads intensify counseling and dialogue with students to avert further riots.
Leadership Conflicts in Isiolo
In Isiolo County, leadership disputes have exacerbated the unrest. The BoM, led by Chairman Mohamed Boru, recently blocked the principal’s office, opposing the deployment of a new school head. “We have locked the office, and anyone who tries to open it will be faced with wrath. We met the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and agreed that the new principal should not be deployed and allow the new deputy to act as the principal. However, they have gone against the agreement,” Boru stated.
The BoM argues that the outgoing principal and the current management team have significantly improved the school’s performance after years of decline, and they vow to resist any attempts by the TSC to deploy a new principal they deem a non-performer.
Conclusion
The recent unrest in Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Isiolo counties has highlighted the underlying issues affecting the education sector in these regions. As investigations continue and stakeholders seek solutions, it is imperative to address the root causes of student unrest and ensure a stable and conducive learning environment. Efforts to enhance communication, counseling, and leadership within schools are essential in preventing future disruptions and safeguarding the quality of education in these counties.
