Education PS urges schools to halt exams that could spark unrest among students

Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has urged schools to exercise caution amid rising cases of unrest among students.

During a prize-giving day at Kenya High School on Thursday, Bitok observed that the second term has historically been a sensitive period in the school calendar.

According to the PS, the Ministry of Education is committed to going the extra mile in ensuring safety in schools. Among the resolutions is making changes to examination plans by schools.

“We are ready to do anything that is doable. We have asked all our principals to stop any type of examinations in this term that is going to create anger, and that is going to disappoint or discourage any student,” said Bitok.

Due to the volatility in schools, Bitok urged school administrators to find solutions for learners’ challenges and encourage dialogue.

"Let us try our best, working with our field officers, with our teachers, to contain the situation. Because if we open dialogue, if we strengthen our student organizations, we should be able to deal with these challenges," said Bitok.

Therefore, Bitok warned against examinations that spark anxiety and disappointment among students.

"The reason why we are doing that is that we want to reduce tension in our schools. Why do we have to force these learners to sit for examinations if they are not ready?"

In the ceremony, the PS expressed optimism that the unrest affects a slight portion of academic institutions.

"There are about 80 schools which have had this problem out of the 9,500 schools,” he said.

The recent unrest has seen a number of schools razed, as some students have been sent home.

Tragically, an arson at Utumishi Girls Academy Senior School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, on May 28, 2026, claimed the lives of 16 students and left 79 others injured.