Education CS Ogamba says task force on school unrest to be gazetted within two weeks

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has confirmed plans to gazette a special task force investigating the recent wave of school unrest. The team will begin its work within the next two weeks.

Ogamba said the multi-stakeholder group will include students and parents for the first time. It will traverse the country gathering views and recommendations on the causes of the disturbances.

The task force has 90 days to complete its work and submit a report. The move follows a series of incidents that have disrupted learning in several schools and raised concerns about safety and management.

The latest incident occurred at Tenwek Boys High School in Bomet County where a fire gutted a dormitory. Six students were arrested in connection with the blaze.

The Cabinet Secretary described the task force as a comprehensive response involving various stakeholders. Its composition aims to ensure broader perspectives in identifying underlying issues and proposing lasting solutions.

School unrest has become a recurring challenge in recent years. Previous incidents have included protests over fees, food quality, discipline and infrastructure conditions. The inclusion of students and parents is intended to make the process more representative.

Ogamba did not specify the exact membership beyond the stakeholder categories. The team’s mandate focuses on collecting evidence-based input from different regions before formulating recommendations.

The gazettement will formalise the task force’s authority and operational framework. This step is expected to enable it to engage schools, administrators, education officials and communities directly.

The 90-day timeline sets a clear deadline for delivery of the final report. Authorities hope the findings will inform policy adjustments to prevent future disruptions and improve the learning environment.

Education sector stakeholders have welcomed the initiative as a timely intervention. The unrest has affected academic calendars and raised questions about student welfare and institutional governance.

The task force’s work comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen school safety and management. Its recommendations could influence funding priorities for infrastructure upgrades, counselling services and stakeholder engagement.

Ogamba assured that the process will be inclusive and thorough. He urged all parties to cooperate once the team begins its nationwide consultations.