Gov’t to Gazette School Unrest Task Force Within Two Weeks as Cases Rise Nationwide

By Faith Owuor

Nairobi, Kenya, July 10, 2026 – The government will gazette a special multi-stakeholder task force within the next two weeks to investigate the rising cases of unrest in schools across the country, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced.

Speaking amid growing concern over student strikes, arson incidents and disruptions to learning in several schools, Ogamba said the task force will conduct a nationwide assessment to identify the root causes of the unrest and recommend lasting solutions.

For the first time, the team will include students and parents alongside education stakeholders, reflecting the government’s commitment to an inclusive approach in addressing the crisis.

“The task force will be gazetted within the next two weeks and will traverse the country collecting views and recommendations before submitting its report within 90 days,” Ogamba said.

The announcement comes as the Ministry of Education reports that more than 200 schools have experienced varying forms of unrest in recent weeks. However, the affected institutions account for less than two per cent of all senior schools in the country, with most incidents reported in boarding schools.

Ogamba said the disturbances have had far-reaching consequences beyond disrupting learning, noting that schools are increasingly being forced to divert funds earmarked for infrastructure development and academic programmes to repair property damaged during the unrest.

“The incidents are disrupting learning and forcing institutions to redirect funds intended for improving education towards repairing damaged facilities,” he said during a recent education stakeholders’ engagement.

The Cabinet Secretary reiterated that learner safety remains the Ministry’s top priority.

“The Ministry remains committed to safeguarding learners while working with all stakeholders to strengthen discipline, dialogue and student welfare in our institutions,” he said.

The Ministry has already rolled out several immediate interventions to help contain the unrest. These include increasing teacher supervision during evening prep sessions and in dormitories, strengthening communication between school administrators and students, expanding psychosocial support services, and reinforcing school safety measures.