18 learners killed in school unrest since April as Education Ministry calls for stronger governance and improved institutional leadership.
NAIROBI, KENYA – The Ministry of Education has raised concern over increasing cases of unrest in learning institutions across Kenya, reporting 330 incidents since April 27, 2026, including 95 fire outbreaks and 34 attempted arson attacks that have resulted in the deaths of 18 learners.
The figures were revealed by the Director-General for Basic Education, Dr Elyas Abdi, during the graduation ceremony of more than 700 school managers and teachers who completed Diploma programmes in Education Leadership and Management at the Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI).
Dr Abdi said the incidents have highlighted growing concerns over safety, security and governance in schools, with investigations pointing to weaknesses in leadership and management as major contributing factors.
FIRE INCIDENTS CLAIM 18 LEARNERS’ LIVES
According to the Ministry, out of the 330 reported cases, 95 involved fire incidents while 34 were classified as attempted arson attacks.
A further 185 incidents were identified as student agitations that did not result in significant destruction of property or serious injuries.
Dr Abdi revealed that the fires had led to the loss of 18 learner lives, including 16 deaths reported at Utumishi Academy, alongside other fatalities recorded in Eastern and Western Kenya.
“I am sorry to report that we have had 95 fire incidents. Out of these, resulted 18 fatalities. In addition to the 16 deaths at Utumishi Academy, we have lost two boys in Eastern Kenya and another in Western Kenya,” Dr Abdi said.
MINISTRY POINTS TO SCHOOL LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES
The Education Ministry said findings from investigations into school unrest have repeatedly highlighted gaps in institutional leadership and management.
Dr Abdi emphasised that school administrators have a critical responsibility in maintaining discipline, ensuring learner safety and creating environments that support academic success.
He said investments in infrastructure, teacher recruitment, curriculum reforms and digital learning can only deliver results when institutions are guided by ethical, visionary and competent leaders.
“We may invest heavily in infrastructure, recruit teachers, expand digital learning and develop innovative curricula, but these investments can only achieve their intended impact when schools are led by visionary, ethical and competent leaders who inspire excellence,” he said.
LEADERSHIP KEY TO SUCCESS OF COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION
Dr Abdi further highlighted the importance of effective leadership in implementing Competency-Based Education (CBE), describing it as one of Kenya’s most significant education reforms.
He noted that the success of CBE depends not only on curriculum changes but also on the quality of leadership exercised within schools.
He added that digital transformation has become an essential part of modern education management, supporting efficient service delivery and evidence-based decision-making.
“Digital transformation is no longer optional. It is an essential enabler of quality education, efficient service delivery and evidence-based decision-making,” Dr Abdi said.
EDUCATION SECTOR CALLS FOR STRONGER SCHOOL GOVERNANCE
The Director-General highlighted the scale of Kenya’s basic education sector, which serves approximately six million primary school learners, more than three million junior school learners and another three million secondary school learners.
The sector is supported by about 458,000 teachers employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Education stakeholders attending the KEMI graduation ceremony said strengthening leadership capacity among school managers remains critical in improving learning outcomes and creating safer institutions.
The Open University of Kenya Vice-Chancellor, Prof Elijah Omwenga, through his representative Prof Raphael Nyonje, commended KEMI for strengthening leadership skills within the education sector.
The Teachers Service Commission also praised the programme, noting that improved leadership skills among educators contribute to more efficient school management and better learner outcomes.
KEMI GRADUATES URGED TO TRANSFORM SCHOOL MANAGEMENT
KEMI Chief Executive Officer Dr Maurice Odundo challenged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to build safe, inclusive and adaptable learning environments.
He said effective leadership remains central to improving governance, administration and service delivery across Kenya’s education institutions.
The graduation brought together education stakeholders and institutional leaders in a renewed push to strengthen school management systems amid growing concerns over student unrest and safety in learning institutions.
