By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, June 24, 2026 - School unrest sweeping across Kenya is a symptom of deep-seated failures within the country's education system and not merely a disciplinary problem, Elimu Yetu Coalition National Coordinator Joseph Washiongo has warned.
Speaking on behalf of the Elimu Yetu Coalition and the Mt Kenya and Aberdares Region Economic Bloc, Wasikhongo raised the alarm over what he described as an escalating crisis threatening learner safety, disrupting education and eroding public confidence in learning institutions.
"We express deep concern over the escalating crisis of school unrest across Kenya, which continues to threaten learner safety, disrupt education and undermine confidence in learning institutions," Wasikhongo said in a statement released on Wednesday.
The warning comes amid increasing reports of unrest in schools across the country, reigniting debate over the state of discipline, learner welfare and school management.
Washiongo argued that focusing solely on punishment and discipline risks masking the real causes of the unrest.
"School unrest must not be viewed solely as a disciplinary issue, but rather as a symptom of broader systemic challenges," he said.
According to Washiongo, the crisis is being fuelled by limited learner participation in decision-making, weak child protection systems, inadequate parental involvement, delayed government capitation and growing exposure of students to harmful content on social media.
"Limited learner participation and engagement, parenting gaps and weak stakeholder collaboration, weak child protection and safeguarding systems, delayed and inadequate government capitation and negative social influences on learners are among the key concerns driving this crisis," he said.
The coalition also identified weak school governance structures, inadequate infrastructure and the failure to use research and evidence in designing interventions as factors worsening the situation.
As concern grows over the safety of students, Washiongo called for immediate measures to protect learners and restore stability in schools.
"Prioritization of learner safety in schools is paramount," he said.
Among the urgent interventions proposed are the strengthening of peer learning, counselling and mentorship programmes to help students address grievances before they escalate into violence and destruction of property.
Washiongo also urged schools to embrace greater inclusivity by involving students in governance and decision-making.
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"Strengthening school governance through meaningful student representation in Boards of Management, full operationalization of the Education Act, continuous orientation of Boards of Management, and regular safety preparedness measures such as drills and school open days will enhance accountability, inclusivity and collaboration among stakeholders," he said.
The coalition further outlined long-term reforms aimed at addressing the root causes of unrest.
"Strengthen learner participation and engagement by establishing structured learner engagement forums, regular open dialogue sessions and effective feedback mechanisms that enable learners to express their concerns, participate meaningfully in school governance and contribute to resolving issues affecting their welfare," Washiongo said.
He also called for the establishment of independent counselling departments staffed by qualified professionals, saying schools require stronger psychosocial support systems to help learners navigate emerging social challenges.
The coalition wants schools to adopt learner-centred disciplinary approaches instead of punitive measures while encouraging parents to play a more active role in the academic, social and emotional development of their children.
On funding, Washiongo challenged the government to address persistent delays in capitation disbursement, warning that schools are struggling under mounting financial pressure.
"Improve education financing and school support systems by fast-tracking timely and adequate disbursement of government capitation to schools, reducing financial pressure on school administrators and strengthening accountability in resource utilization," he said.
The coalition also called for stricter enforcement of education and safety standards, regular inspections of schools and stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Education and agencies responsible for child protection and learner welfare.
In a stark warning, Washiongo said all stakeholders must accept responsibility for the growing crisis.
"Safeguarding the future of Kenya's learners requires collective responsibility and sustained commitment. On this matter, we all stand indicted; therefore, urgent action must be taken to protect our learners and stabilize the education system," he said.
The remarks are likely to intensify pressure on education authorities to move beyond disciplinary responses and address the structural challenges that stakeholders say are driving unrest in schools across the country.