The Education Ministry on Thursday, February 4, laid out tough measures to curb the unrest in schools that has seen almost 30 institutions set ablaze in just a period of six months.
In a circular signed by Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang, the ministry directed school heads to reside in institutions so that they are able to enforce security especially around the dormitory areas.
"Principals to be alert and promptly report on any possible cause of unrest to security agencies to avert potential damage to property and injury to life."
The schools were also asked to account for each learner at any particular time.
"The ministry is concerned about the emerging trend of indiscipline among some learners resulting in arson in our learning institutions that is a threat to the smooth running of school programmes safety and security learning institutions that are a threat to the smooth running of school programmes.
"Safety and security of learning institutions is a prerequisite to effective implementation of school programmes and it is the sole responsibility of the school Boards of Management," reads an excerpt of the circular.
The Board of Management Meetings (BOM) was asked to discuss and access the security situation and put in place preventive measures that would be communicated to respective County Education Boards (CEB).
In addition, the Ministry directed all County Directors of Education to convene CEB meetings by February 25, 2021 to address indiscipline and discuss the reports of BOM meetings.
"The cases should be thoroughly investigated with the support of security agencies and comprehensive reports submitted to the ministry within one week of the occurrence," reads a part of the circular.
The schools were also asked to open up channels of effective communication with their learners and staff that promote robust grievances and redress mechanisms.
Kipsang asked the school heads to remind learners that they would endure consequences while looking for employment in the future.
