By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 7 June 2026 - Fresh fears of student unrest and mass hysteria have reportedly forced some schools to release learners for the half-term break earlier than scheduled as anxiety spreads across learning institutions over a wave of strikes, arson incidents and unrest.
The latest schools to make headlines are Agoro Sare High School in Homa Bay County and Nyambaria Boys High School in Nyamira County, adding to a growing list of institutions that have experienced disturbances in recent days.
The worrying trend follows a series of incidents reported in several schools across the country, including:
1. Nyambaria Boys High School
2. Sironga Girls High School
3. Agoro Sare High School
4. Kisii School
5. Pangani Girls High School
6. Tenwek High School
7. Chianda School
8. Kibabii School
9. Kisumu Girls High School
10. Bungoma High School
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11. Chavakali High School
12. Kereri Girls High School
13. Kabula Boys High School
Parents, teachers and education stakeholders are expressing growing concern over what many describe as a disturbing resurgence of indiscipline in schools.
Some parents and teachers, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, claimed that a section of students have reportedly been demanding assurances that they will be allowed to watch the ongoing FIFA World Cup matches, with frustrations allegedly contributing to unrest in some institutions.
"It is deeply disturbing that some students are reportedly resorting to strikes and acts of arson over demands related to watching World Cup matches. Schools are meant to be centres of learning, discipline and character formation," said one parent.
Education stakeholders warn that beyond isolated grievances, the incidents appear to be fuelled by peer influence, social media pressure and what many are describing as a contagious wave of mass hysteria sweeping through schools.
Several schools reportedly spent the weekend assessing security measures, while others opted to release students early amid fears that unrest could spread from one institution to another.
Observers note that the growing "copycat" effect is creating a hypnotic influence among learners, where disturbances in one school quickly inspire similar actions elsewhere.
As investigations continue into the various incidents, calls are mounting for school administrators, parents, religious leaders and education authorities to address the root causes of the unrest while reinforcing discipline, counselling and responsible decision-making among learners.
The unfolding situation has left many parents worried, with fears that more schools could be affected unless urgent interventions are put in place to stem the growing wave of unrest.