Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has ordered investigations into the violence witnessed at Nyabisase Mixed Secondary School in Kisii County, warning that students found responsible for the unrest will face legal action.
Ogamba condemned the incident, saying the government will not tolerate violence, destruction of school property or any form of indiscipline in learning institutions.
Speaking during an event in Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri County, the CS said authorities must go beyond punishment and establish the underlying causes behind the rising cases of unrest in schools.
"The law will take its full course on that incident. This time we need to go deeper and establish the root cause of these challenges so that we can resolve them because we do not want a situation where schools are experiencing indiscipline, or students are torching dormitories," Ogamba said.
He added that appropriate action would be taken against learners found to have participated in the violence.
The remarks come days after chaos broke out at Nyabisase Mixed Secondary School in Bobasi, Kisii County, after students protested the appointment of a new principal.
The unrest escalated into clashes between students and teachers, with learners later setting one of the school dormitories on fire. The institution was subsequently closed indefinitely as police launched investigations and education officials assessed the damage caused.
Reports indicate that some students opposed the transfer of a new principal from Mochorwa Secondary School, leading to heightened tensions within the institution. Videos shared online showed some learners with covered faces throwing stones as teachers attempted to retreat from the confrontation.
The incident adds to a growing number of cases of school unrest reported across the country, including student strikes, destruction of property and dormitory fires that have disrupted learning in several institutions.
Ogamba said the government is now adopting a broader approach by investigating the factors contributing to student unrest, noting that long-term solutions require addressing issues beyond disciplinary measures.
During the same event, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the government is working with various partners to ensure learners across the country have equal access to opportunities regardless of their backgrounds.
Another government official at the event noted that efforts are also being made to expose learners to digital technologies from an early age, alongside investments in school infrastructure.
The government has reiterated that it will continue working with stakeholders to improve discipline, enhance learning environments and ensure schools remain safe spaces for both students and teachers.