Boarding schools in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, have been ordered to shut down indefinitely after a wave of arson attacks left dormitories and other facilities in ruins.
At least four schools had been attacked in the span of one week, sparking concerns about the safety of the learners and the growing scale of destruction.
Confirming the news, Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe said that the move followed consultations with the education authorities and security agencies.
He explained that the closure of the schools would give investigators sufficient time to determine who was responsible for the coordinated attacks and prevent further losses.
Social media is one of the areas, the minister says, under investigation because allegedly students and other suspects are exchanging coded messages on how to conduct the attacks.
“We have had a myriad of challenges in Gatundu, and we agreed to close all the schools to restart and inquire. There is a network on social media where students are using computer labs to spread information on how to set fire to schools,” he continued.
The MP also added that the timing was also calculated, noting that the weekend periods are riskier since fewer teachers are on duty to monitor the students. “We took the decision over the weekend because we understood students can take advantage of less supervision,” he explained.
Parents and the public have sounded the alarm that the break would interfere with candidates preparing for national examinations.
“These are going to impact on us and on the students. I have a child, and we were surprised by an SMS instructing us to return our children by 10 a.m., said parent Penina Mburu. “Dormitories, student boxes, and other facilities have been torched. This calls for urgent investigations.”
The education officials and security personnel are now in the spotlight to speed up investigations as parents want learning to get back soon.
The third term of primary education began on August 25 and ends on October 24, 2025.
Though the shortest term of school, it is significant in that candidates will be sitting for their national examinations during this period.
The term will also involve two public holidays Mazingira Day on October 10 and Mashujaa Day on October 20.
