The government has dismissed concerns that schools could be closed ahead of schedule following a wave of student unrest and dormitory fires reported in different parts of the country in recent weeks.
Speaking on Thursday during The Kenya High School’s Prize Giving Day, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok assured parents, teachers and learners that the situation remains under control and that learning is continuing normally in most schools.
His remarks come at a time when anxiety has been growing among parents following a string of fire incidents and unrest in several secondary schools, some of which have forced institutions to suspend learning temporarily.
However, Bitok maintained that the disruptions have only affected a small number of schools and do not justify changes to the academic calendar.
“As we honour these accomplishments, I remain keenly aware of the challenges that have recently disrupted learning in some parts of the country,” Bitok said.
“The Ministry is actively teaming up with key partners to bring things back to normal, protect learning, and keep kids in school.”
The PS noted that the Ministry of Education has already set up steps to tackle new problems. They’re cooperating with other groups to settle issues of unrest, making sure students stay safe.
Bitok added that classes will go on as usual, squashing any guesses that kids might be sent home earlier. Also, he announced a national safety check in schools. This move aims to boost student well-being and prevent similar events from reoccurring.
At the same time, Bitok announced that the government started a national safety audit in schools. This is part of their effort to enhance student welfare and stop similar issues from happening again.
This big checkup will look at dorms, emergency systems, and other infrastructure. It’ll also see if schools are following safety rules.
This move comes after various problems at schools recently. Some schools had to shut down due to protest threats, while fires in dorms messed up lots of stuff and studies in other spots.
Even with these troubles, officials claim that only a few schools have faced such issues. Most are doing just fine.
To help prevent bigger issues, the government asks everyone – administrators, parents, and teachers – to chat openly with the students and sort out problems early on.
As the second term begins, the focus is clear: they want students in class and they’re making sure schools all over the country are safer too.
