NAIROBI, Kenya — In a proactive move to restore sanity in learning institutions, the Ministry of Education has launched a comprehensive, nationwide training program for all secondary school principals and field officers.
The initiative comes as the government scrambles to address a worrying surge in student riots that have paralyzed learning in several top-tier schools across the country.
In a circular dated May 12, 2026, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Prof. Julius Bitok, signaled a shift in strategy, emphasizing the need for administrators to adopt “better ways to curb unrest” and foster a more harmonious environment within school walls.
The training follows a turbulent first half of the year that saw several institutions closed indefinitely due to student-led strikes and property damage. The Ministry highlighted a list of schools where learning was significantly disrupted:
Kangaru Boys Secondary (Embu): Closed indefinitely in March after students staged a massive walk-out.
Litein Boys High School (Kericho): Forced to shut down following destructive unrest that left a trail of property damage.
Chebwagan Boys High School (Kericho): Students staged a dramatic night strike in January, leading to immediate closure.
St. Mark’s Obambo Secondary (Kisumu): Learning was halted in May as students took to the streets to protest the transfer of their principal.
Coastal Crisis: Similar incidents were reported at Dr. Aggrey School in Wundanyi and Kinango Boys Secondary in Kwale County.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Ministry has opted for a digital approach to reach all administrators simultaneously.
According to Prof. Bitok, the training is being conducted virtually, allowing principals and field officers to participate from their respective stations.
The authorities have already shared the online training links with all Heads of Institutions (HOIs) and field officers. The curriculum focuses on:
Early Detection: Identifying “red flags” and signs of brewing discontent before they escalate into violence.
Conflict Resolution: Moving away from iron-fisted discipline toward dialogue-based management.
Crisis Management: How to protect lives and property when riots occur.
Handling Transfers: Strategies for managing student reactions to administrative changes—a major trigger identified in recent protests.
Prof. Bitok emphasized that the traditional ways of managing student grievances must evolve.
By training field officers alongside principals, the Ministry aims to create a unified front where sub-county and county directors can support school heads in implementing these “soft-power” strategies.
As the second term gathers momentum, the Ministry of Education is hoping that this digital “masterclass” in crisis management will provide the breakthrough needed to stabilize the sector.
For the principals of schools like Kangaru and Litein, the training is a welcome tool in the difficult task of rebuilding school culture after a strike.
Do you think virtual training is enough to equip principals for the physical challenges of a student riot, or is a more “hands-on” approach needed?
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