Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has directed school administrators to reconsider examination schedules that could contribute to tension and unrest among students, as the Ministry of Education moves to address a growing wave of disturbances in learning institutions.
Speaking during a prize-giving ceremony at Kenya High School on Thursday, Bitok noted that the second term has historically been one of the most sensitive periods in the academic calendar, often marked by increased cases of student unrest.
The PS said the ministry is prepared to take all necessary measures to improve safety in schools, including reviewing examination practices that may place excessive pressure on learners.
“We are ready to do anything that is doable. We have asked all our principals to stop any type of examinations in this term that is going to create anger, and that is going to disappoint or discourage any student,” Bitok said.
He emphasized that school leaders should prioritize dialogue and engagement with students to identify and resolve emerging concerns before they escalate into unrest.
“Let us try our best, working with our field officers, with our teachers, to contain the situation. Because if we open dialogue, if we strengthen our student organizations, we should be able to deal with these challenges,” he added.
Bitok further questioned the need to compel students to sit examinations when they are not adequately prepared, arguing that such situations can increase stress and frustration among learners.
“The reason why we are doing that is that we want to reduce tension in our schools. Why do we have to force these learners to sit for examinations if they are not ready?” he posed.
Despite recent incidents, the PS expressed confidence that the unrest remains limited to a small fraction of schools across the country.
“There are about 80 schools which have had this problem out of the 9,500 schools,” he noted.
His remarks come amid heightened concern over student safety following a series of unrest incidents in schools. The situation was further brought into focus by the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy Senior School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, on May 28, 2026, which claimed the lives of 16 students and left 79 others injured.
The Ministry of Education has since intensified efforts to strengthen safety measures, improve student welfare, and promote dialogue between learners, teachers, and school administrators in an effort to prevent future incidents.
