Education CS Julius Ogamba has warned KCSE candidates involved in school unrest that they will take their exams at alternative centres outside school compounds.
The Ministry of Education has issued a stern warning to learners involved in school unrest, especially Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates. Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced that candidates implicated in serious cases of indiscipline will be barred from sitting exams within their school compounds and instead relocated to alternative centres.
This announcement comes against the backdrop of rising cases of school violence, with several institutions shut down following unrest. In recent weeks, incidents of dormitory fires, destruction of classrooms, and theft have been reported, with damages running into millions of shillings.
CS Ogamba said such acts are not just misconduct but criminal offences. He stressed that discipline must be restored in schools and assured that those responsible would face legal and academic consequences. “If a student burns a school property or steals, that is a crime. They will be arrested, and if they are due to sit exams, they will do so outside the institution,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary clarified that disciplinary action must follow due process, involving hearings where parents and learners participate. Expulsions, he said, can only occur after a fair disciplinary process.
Meanwhile, Basic Education PS Prof Julius Bitok reaffirmed that no student will be allowed to vandalize school property without facing justice. He directed education directors to monitor schools closely and intervene early when unrest is suspected.
Parents, already burdened with heavy surcharges for damages, welcomed the government’s decision. National Parents Association chairperson Silas Obuhatsa said parents could no longer afford to pay for the destruction caused by rogue learners.
With the KCSE exams approaching, the government is determined to keep schools stable. Stakeholders, including religious leaders, have been urged to remain vigilant and support efforts to curb unrest.
