(MOMBASA, KENYA) – Secondary school principals in Kenya have rejected claims that poor school leadership is the main cause of a wave of arson attacks and student unrest that has affected learning institutions across the country since April. The crisis has led to the deaths of at least 18 learners and disruption in hundreds of schools.
Speaking before the 49th Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) Annual National Delegates Conference in Mombasa, school heads described the blame directed at them as unfair. Their position comes as the Ministry of Education increases pressure on school leaders, linking the disturbances to failures in institutional management and warning principals to take more responsibility for learner welfare, discipline and safety.
KESSHA national chairman Willie Kuria said the second term of 2026 had been one of the most difficult periods for school administrators in recent years. “This term, we have experienced several cases of unrest in schools and, definitely, this is one of the key issues we shall discuss at the conference,” Mr Kuria said. “We will share experiences from different parts of the country on what happened and explore the way forward. It has been a very challenging period for school heads.”
The conference brings together about 9,000 principals from across Kenya to discuss the causes of the unrest, prevention measures and wider education reforms, including the move to Competency-Based Education. Since April 27, the Ministry of Education has recorded 330 cases of school unrest across the country. These include 95 fire incidents and 34 attempted arson attacks. Officials say the disturbances have raised urgent questions about safety, discipline and leadership in schools.
The government has confirmed that 18 learners have died in incidents linked to the unrest, increasing national concern over student safety in boarding institutions. Basic Education Director General Elyas Abdi said 185 of the recorded cases involved student protests that did not cause serious damage or injuries. However, he said the number of fire incidents was still worrying. “I am sorry to report that we have had 95 fire incidents. Out of these, 18 resulted in fatalities,” Dr Abdi said. “In addition to the 16 deaths at Utumishi Academy, we have lost two boys in Eastern Kenya and another in Western Kenya.”
The ministry has maintained that some of the unrest is connected to weak school administration. It has warned that failure by principals to enforce discipline and provide enough psychosocial support may be adding to the crisis. But KESSHA officials have pushed back, arguing that the situation is more complex and cannot be blamed on school leadership alone. Mr Kuria urged caution in assigning responsibility, saying investigations into the incidents were still taking place and should guide conclusions on who is to blame. “Whenever such incidents occur, investigations are conducted. We are waiting to hear from the relevant authorities and education officials on their findings regarding those responsible for the arson attacks,” he said.
Mr Kuria also proposed structural changes in school placement policy. He suggested that learners who regularly struggle to adjust to boarding school life should be moved to day schools where they can receive closer parental supervision. “There are learners who are not comfortable in boarding schools,” Mr Kuria said. “Such learners should be allowed to join day schools where they can be closely monitored by their parents. Boarding schools require a high level of responsibility and discipline. Those who are unable to cope with boarding regulations can continue their education as day scholars.”
This proposal is expected to generate debate during the week long conference, which is being held under the theme “Strong Schools and Collaborative Leadership for Promoting Competency-Based Education.” The event takes place at a time when schools are also dealing with funding shortages, delays in learning materials for senior school learners under the new curriculum system, and growing concerns over learner welfare.
Conference organisers say discussions will focus on strengthening school leadership, improving governance structures and increasing cooperation among education stakeholders to support the reforms. “We want to strengthen school leadership, foster collaboration among education stakeholders and ensure the successful implementation of CBE,” Mr Kuria said.
Education reforms, school financing, mental health and the transition to senior school under the competency based curriculum are expected to lead the agenda. Today’s sessions will feature Acting Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Prof John Okumu, who will address delegates on leadership challenges in a changing education environment and the need to adapt to competency based training.
Digital transformation in education will also be discussed, with Raspberry Pi Foundation Africa Partnerships and Ecosystems Lead Wariara Waireri Adigún expected to lead a session on teacher collaboration and leadership in the digital age. School financing is set to attract considerable attention, with Mr Kuria presenting on the rising cost of education. President’s Council of Economic Advisors Chairman David Ndii will examine sustainable financing models and the balance between access, equity and quality.
Mental health and learner wellbeing will form another key pillar of discussions. Dr Njoki Fernandes is expected to address the management of learner mental wellness, while World Bank consultant Dr Joan Ngunnzi will speak on leadership and wellbeing during periods of rapid education reform.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba will deliver a keynote address on strengthening the implementation of reforms. Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa will moderate an open forum bringing together senior ministry officials to respond to concerns raised by school heads. Other areas of focus include the transition from senior school to Technical and Vocational Education and Training, policy alignment, teacher management and school governance reforms.
The conference will be officially opened by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei and closed by Education Cabinet Secretary Ogamba, together with Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir and other senior officials in the Ministry of Education.