By Mumo Judah
Nairobi, June 5, 2026
The National Students Council has called for a comprehensive review of the underlying behavioural and disciplinary issues contributing to the recent surge in school arson attacks and student unrest across the country.
Speaking amid growing concern over a string of fires and strikes in secondary schools, the council’s Youth Coordinator, Mark Ouko, said the crisis should not be viewed solely as a security challenge but as a warning sign of deeper psychological and behavioural problems affecting learners.
Ouko argued that schools, parents and policymakers must move beyond reacting to incidents after they occur and instead focus on addressing the factors driving students to engage in destructive behaviour.
“It is also important to prepare young people for the realities of independence, resilience, and living away from home, recognising that boarding schools can play a valuable role in developing these life skills when supported by strong guidance, accountability, and appropriate student welfare systems,” said Ouko.
His remarks come at a time when several schools have been forced to close following incidents of unrest, with education stakeholders increasingly questioning whether existing support systems are sufficient to address students’ emotional and mental health needs.
According to Ouko, boarding schools remain an important component of Kenya’s education system and should not be discarded because of isolated incidents. Instead, he said institutions should strengthen guidance and counselling programmes, improve student welfare structures and promote accountability among learners.
The students’ leader maintained that effective boarding schools help young people develop responsibility, resilience and independence, skills that are essential later in life.
The council further warned against treating arson cases purely as disciplinary matters, arguing that schools should pay closer attention to the psychological and behavioural triggers that push students toward violence and destruction of property.
Ouko’s position mirrors concerns raised by other education stakeholders who have pointed to a growing shortage of professional counselling services in schools. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has previously argued that many learners lack safe and structured avenues to express frustrations, cope with academic pressure or seek support during personal challenges.
However, not all stakeholders agree on the future of boarding schools. Some education experts and parent groups have renewed calls for a gradual shift toward day-school systems, arguing that learners benefit from closer parental supervision and family support.
The debate comes as the Ministry of Education continues to take a hard line against student unrest. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has warned that students found responsible for arson attacks will face criminal prosecution, expulsion and restrictions on admission to other schools.
As investigations continue into recent school fires and demonstrations, education stakeholders are increasingly calling for long-term interventions focused on student welfare, mental health support and behavioural development to prevent further unrest and restore stability in learning institutions.
