More than ten schools in Bomet and Kericho counties have been forced to close following a fresh wave of unrest, with property worth hundreds of millions of shillings destroyed in just one week. Parents are bracing for hefty reconstruction costs once evaluations are completed.
Litein Boys’ High School has emerged as the epicenter of destruction, with classrooms, dormitories, and offices reduced to ruins. The unrest saw students break into stores, cook food in the kitchen, steal documents, and even drive the school bus to block the main gate. Police, despite prior warnings, failed to contain the chaos.
Eight students from the school have already been arraigned in court on charges ranging from arson to burglary after they were caught with stolen items, including laptops and teachers’ personal belongings. Principal Richard Sang confirmed that engineers and education officers are assessing the total cost of damages before reconstruction begins.
The unrest spread to Chebonei Girls’, Kamungei Secondary, and other institutions, which were closed indefinitely. At Tengecha Boys’, students clashed with villagers as they attempted to burn down school buildings, leaving police overwhelmed.
Investigators suspect the strikes may have been fueled by frustrations over the administration’s refusal to engage with exam leak cartels. Meanwhile, some opportunists are believed to have looted food supplies and equipment during the chaos.
Parents fear being forced to shoulder reconstruction bills despite the harsh economic climate. “It’s painful to imagine we will have to pay for the mess, yet we’re already struggling with fees,” lamented one parent.
Education stakeholders, including former minister Franklin Bett, have called for independent investigations and long-term solutions. “This is beyond indiscipline—it is destruction of investments that parents and taxpayers sacrificed for,” Bett said.
