Following a series of unrest incidents in secondary schools across the country, primary school administrators have urged their counterparts in senior schools to strengthen learner support systems. These systems should include guidance and counselling, mentorship, psychosocial support, open communication and learner participation, in order to prevent emerging concerns from escalating into crises.

In a statement, the Kenya Comprehensive School Heads Association (KECSHA) emphasised the importance of vigilance and proactive leadership in fostering positive school cultures.

The association advised senior school administrators to establish early warning systems capable of identifying emerging issues before they spiral into full-blown crises. The association also underscored the need for regular reviews of safety, security, and emergency preparedness measures to safeguard learners and staff.

The call comes amid growing concern over a wave of unrest in secondary schools, which has disrupted learning, endangered lives, and led to widespread destruction of property.

The association condemned acts of violence, arson, and vandalism witnessed in several institutions, noting that such actions have caused loss of life, injuries, and emotional distress among learners, teachers, and parents.

The association joined the nation in mourning the tragic deaths of 16 learners at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, while wishing a speedy recovery to those who were injured.

“As school leaders entrusted with the care, guidance and education of learners, we strongly condemn all acts of violence, arson, vandalism and destruction of school property,” said Fuad Abdalla Ali, the association’s national chairperson.

He stressed that while learners may have genuine grievances, violent protests can never be justified as they endanger lives, interrupt learning, and destroy public investments in education.

The association highlighted the urgent need for stakeholders to strengthen measures that promote discipline, learner welfare, school safety, and peaceful conflict resolution.

The association noted that although most of the recent unrest has occurred in senior schools, the lessons should inform all levels of learning institutions, including primary and junior schools. Instilling values such as responsibility, resilience, and peaceful conflict resolution from an early age, members argued, is critical to shaping learners who can handle challenges constructively.

The association said that parents and guardians are children’s first educators. As such, they should instil in them values of respect, accountability, self-discipline, and peaceful coexistence. Schools should then reinforce these values. The association urged learners to embrace dialogue and use established grievance-handling mechanisms rather than resorting to destructive actions.