The Ministry of Education has directed all the Regional and County Directors of Education countrywide to strictly comply with the Basic Education Regulations 2015 to enhance security and guarantee the safety of all learners in schools.
Early Learning and Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Julius Jwan said that the regulations will provide schools with a clear guidance on how to handle cases of mass indiscipline.
He said the government is concerned about the increasing cases of unrest and arson witnessed in a number of secondary schools in the country that have led to wanton destruction of property which the government will not allow to continue.
In a circular dated 9th November 2021 that the PS sent to all the Regional and County Directors of Education, Dr. Jwan maintained that the ministry will not meet the cost of reconstructing destroyed school property arising from acts of arson.
He instructed the Directors of Education to urgently convene Board of Management meetings to discuss the discipline of students and share resolutions with the County Education Board for necessary action.
“All Regional and County Directors should ensure that students involved in any form of indiscipline are not allowed to transfer to any other school,” he directed, cautioning Schools Heads not to admit students who have not been released formally by their previous schools.
Further, he directed the Board of Management to work closely with officers from the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government to ensure adequate and enhanced security is provided in schools, especially around the dormitories on a 24-hour basis.
“Boards of Management should work with local National Government Administrators to ensure relevant stakeholders are engaged and are able to provide necessary support that can ensure early detection of danger to schools,” he added.
The PS called upon all schools to open up accessible channels of communication for adequate and seamless engagement with learners, and mount proper mechanisms for addressing grievances arising from students as it will help to pre-empt cases of unrest in schools.
He also instructed the Regional and County Directors of Education to bring the directives to all principals and head teachers within their jurisdiction.
By Michael Omondi
